U.S.D. 1812 concludes 2020 winter coat drive
The United States Daughters of 1812 has concluded the 2020 winter coat drive for veterans.
After picking up more coats and winter clothing from KVRE Radio Station, U.S.D. 1812 members Joan Davis and Sheila Beatty on Dec. 4 delivered 303 items of men’s winter clothing and blankets to St. Francis House.
Tracy Simpson, morning radio show host, conducts the annual drive for several service organizations. Simpson, a Hot Springs native, “has a heart for giving back to his community with special emphasis on children and veterans. Simpson stated KVRE was pleased to serve as a donation station for the needy and many area listeners had contributed warm clothing this winter,” a news release said.
KVRE and Simpson distribute the clothing to several area agencies as well as VAVS and St. Francis House through U.S.D. 1812.
The delivery on Dec. 4 included 166 heavy winter coats and lighter jackets, heavy shirts and sweaters. The clothing was primarily collected by KVRE.
For two days, members inspected the clothing, and if needed, laundered, then hung or folded and placed in labeled boxes. No clothing was delivered in trash bags at the request of SFH.
In November, U. S. D. 1812 delivered 150 coats and other winter clothing to the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System VA Volunteer Services. The clothing was issued to needy veterans receiving care at CAVHS.
U. S. D. 1812 delivered, during 2020, a total of 389 coats and jackets to SFH and the VA. Monetary donations were also received by the General Society War of 1812, the Colonial Dames 17th Century and the Daughters of Colonial Wars. Articles were submitted to local newspapers, which resulted in many donations and members of the U.S.D. 1812 Pine Bluff chapter held a “coat shower,” but the largest contributions were through KVRE, the release said.
“KVRE’s signal reaches over 600,000 people in central Arkansas. Listeners drove many miles to deliver contributions to the station,” it said.