It was almost 70 degrees Saturday when the I AM Mentoring program distributed 500 winter coats at Missionary Union Baptist Church in Columbus. It was perfect timing, which underscores the capricious nature of the weather in the Golden Triangle.
The people who showed up in shorts and T-shirts to get a coat on Saturday needed them on Sunday, when temperatures dipped into the teens and strong winds made outside tasks miserably cold through Monday afternoon.
The weather will heat up to the 50s on Tuesday and will continue to warm. It will be 69 degrees again on Friday, according to the forecast.
While it is rare that sub-freezing temperatures stay with us for more than just a few days, the need for warm clothing can come in almost a blink of an eye.
For the homeless or others who may not have a warm place they can count on, a winter coat is essential. For these people, a winter coat prevents life-threatening conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia can set in even when temperatures are in the 40s if exposure is prolonged. Without a coat, people exposed to winter weather often contract pneumonia, which can be life-threatening if left unattended.
It is sad to think that anyone is without a coat during the winter. It is even sadder to realize there is no reason why anyone would not have a winter coat. The average American owns approximately seven pieces of outerwear (coats and jackets combined). And most people have coats they never wear. A rule of thumb: If you have a coat you don’t wear over the course of an entire winter, it’s time to donate it to those organizations who help the needy.
If you don’t happen to have a coat you don’t use, you can purchase a basic winter coat for less than $50. Thrift stores have used coats for even less than that.
The Salvation Army in Starkville and Columbus accept coat donations. In Starkville you can drop off a coat at Starkville Strong’s designated location at Dunkington Jewelry (109 South Lafayette).
While coats are particularly important, donations of other winter gear (knit caps, gloves, wool socks) are much appreciated.
So look through your closet or swing by a discount or thrift store. A warm winter coat may be the most important gift you can give this Christmas season.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
Posted in Dispatch EditorialsYou can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
