FirstCall goes out for winter clothing for poor

The cold winter months are fast approaching, and while it seems a long way off right now, the need for winter clothing and blankets is very real. FirstCall, through Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, Inc., is sponsoring a Coat and Blanket Drive beginning now through the end of the year.

Donations for adult and children-sized coats, gloves, hats, socks, blankets and heaters are requested.

“The time is now to stock up on winter clothing, blankets and heaters,” Betty Berry, Program Director of FirstCall said. “If we have a harsh winter as we did last year, it is imperative to get help to those who need it quickly.”

During 2010, approximately 800 people were helped through FirstCall with winter clothing. FirstCall also distributed 110 donated blankets and 75 donated heaters.

Started in 2008, FirstCall is a Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi program that operates a telephone and Web-based program that links those with unmet needs with goods and services provided by churches, faith-based and other non-profit organizations in a 12-county area. The goal of FirstCall is to supplement, not duplicate, other existing programs.

FirstCall accepts financial donations year round, as well as donations of clothing, furniture, working appliances and household items.

For more information or to make a donation, call (361) 884-0651 ext. 223.