Citizen’s Medical Center Coat Drive

Citizens Medical Center Employee Activities Committee began a blanket and coat drive after brainstorming ways they could help others, said Shannon Spree, Citizens Medical Center's marketing director. Temperatures dropped drastically the first week of the year, and they knew there were a lot of people who didn't have adequate shelter or clothing to stay warm, she said. Since the drive began Jan. 2, the committee has donated several times to the VISD parent liaisons. Sacred Heart Ambulance Service and Hospice of South Texas both donated blankets during the drive. Socks, house shoes and a robe came from Girling Home Health, but many of the donations came from the hospital's employees. The committee also delivered some blankets and about 400 pairs of socks to the area's warming center, which was at Rushing Wind Fellowship and earlier at Central Church of Christ.

The blanket and coat drive will continue through the end of January. Employees and the community are invited to drop off coats, blankets and clothes in a box in the main lobby.