Warm clothing and meals were offered to people for free in the beautiful city of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas.
The second annual “Coats For Folks” coat drive had nearly twice the amount of coats donated for locals in the area to keep people warm than it did the year previously. It was held on December 4th at the Fairfield Bay Senior Center. The coat drive was a way to raise money for the Heart of the Bay Food Pantry, a non-profit founded by Janice Kent and Sally Sowell. Warm meals were also provided.
New Coat Record Set In Fairfield Bay
Coats and clothing had been donated by locals in the area. Donated clothing would later be given away for free. The event took place from 11:00am through 2:00pm.
Many of the coats still had new tags on them and were unused.
The coat drive was a personal mission of Bella Comas, who highlighted the newfound success of the event:
“I could hardly get any donations last year. Now I can hardly fit all the numerous coats in the car.”
Leftover clothing from the coat drive will be sent to Fort Smith, Arkansas. At a special location, the coats will then be exchanged for money that goes to support the Fairfield Bay Food Pantry.
Food Pantry Takes Action Against Food Insecurity in Arkansas.
According to data provided by Heart of the Bay Food Pantry, over 465 families have been served from the food pantry in Fairfield Bay alone. They only opened their doors last year. Already, they’ve generated tens of thousands of dollars in orders.
According to their own data, families have been served from the following areas:
- Fairfield Bay – 32%.
- Shirley – 27%.
- Clinton – 18%.
- Edgemont – 15%.
- Other – 10%.
The mission highlights the urgent need for community action to tackle food insecurity rates in the foodbank’s service area. According to their data, food insecurity rates have actually increased from 14.5% to 17.6% in just one year.
That’s why Heart of the Bay Food Pantry is providing these meals.
Photos Show This Matters
Photographs show the record number of coats donated from locals in the area. One resident even showed up from Scotland, Arkansas. It was an amazing success.
Many people expressed happiness with the warm clothing provided:
