Rachel Dove-Baldwin

Staff Writer

WILLIAMSON - With the temperatures dropping and the winter season right around the corner, those who are in need of coats, toboggans and scarves and who meet the income guidelines can receive those items, courtesy of Norfolk Southern (NS) Railway Safety Department employees.

According to Jeanette O’Brien, President and Director of Jacob’s Well, a non-profit organization located at 151 East Third Avenue in Williamson that provides services to low-income residents, their mission will host the coat giveaway tomorrow and Saturday, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The garments are gently used, and were gathered by NS employees and their families. They include men’s, women’s and children’s coats in a variety of sizes, as well as toboggans and scarves.

“We want to invite anyone that needs a coat that is low-income or currently unemployed to come and have lunch with us and pick out a coat,” said O’Brien. “The economy is bad right now and there are a lot of families that have difficulty making ends meet. This coat drive is one way that NS employees feel will help to accommodate those in need.”

Jacob’s Well Mission is also in need of food donations to assist in alleviating their costs to supply hot meals every Friday for area residents. The non-perishable items can be dropped off each Friday, or you can make arrangements for another day by contacting the Mission at 304-236-5955, or 304-235-2730. You may also call these numbers if you require additional information on the coat giveaway.

O’Brien asid she was always grateful to anyone who has time to volunteer at the mission, and encourages the public to take time out of their day to help others who are not as fortunate as themselves.

“I’m the president but the Mission belongs to God,” said O’Brien. “We’re just trying to help those in need, just as God would have us to do.”