Local Charity Drives Wrap Up Before Christmas

Two local charity drives, one in Wheeler County and one in Treutlen County, both concluded on Dec. 19 to deliver their donations in time for Christmas.

The Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office began its toy and needed items on Nov. 17 to support The Refuge, a domestic violence shelter in Vidalia, and to “make sure every child spending Christmas at The Refuge wakes up to a special morning,” according to the announcement.

“It’s just a good, easy way for us as a community to help give to an organization that we know all of the items will be put to use as they should be,” said Wheeler County Sheriff Glenn Giles.

The office asked residents to donate toys and clothing for children ages 10 and up, bedwetting pull-ups, hair brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and general cleaning supplies such as washing powder or dishwasher pods. Giles also confirmed on social media the office could accept financial donations.

The sheriff’s office also promoted the drive with a skit video posted Dec. 12 featuring the Grinch attempting to steal the donated items from the Wheeler County Courthouse, only to be caught and arrested. The Grinch would later appear during the City of Alamo’s Christmas in the City parade on a trailer designed to resemble a jail cell.

The drive remained open until December 19, though Giles stated the sheriff’s office would ensure any late donations will make their way to The Refuge. Prior to the closure, Giles described the drive’s turnout as “overwhelming” and claimed the drive had received all of its donation goals.

“I’m very proud of our community,” said Giles.

Giles also confirmed the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office would hold similar drives in the future, though the target of those drives may change.

Meanwhile, the Treutlen County High School began its annual blanket drive on December 1, sponsored by the school’s SkillsUSA students.

SkillsUSA is a workforce development program attached to the school’s graphic design program. According to the program’s director, Allison Cox, involved students learn hands-on skills which can benefit them in multiple career fields.

“It basically prepares students almost in any career field that’s technical to have work-ready skills when they graduate,” said Cox.

The drive began when student officers were brainstorming potential community service project ideas, which led to the students researching statistics regarding veterans in Georgia. After researching how many veterans struggle with poverty in the state, the students opted to begin a blanket drive.

“So, the kids were just like, ‘What if we donate blankets?’” said Cox. “Because… if they’re not homeless, what if they could still use more blankets around their house or whatever? So, that’s kind of how it just started.”

The students are involved in managing and organizing the drive, serving as part of the program’s education, and will often travel with Cox to deliver the blankets to the veteran’s affairs center in Dublin. 

“I hope that kids in my class come out with good, strong character, because I feel like character carries you so far in life, and service,” said Cox. “I feel like service for others keeps you humble, and it helps them understand that things can always be worse.”