With Newton County being blasted with freezing temperatures last week, and with reports of more freezing temps and a possibility of some wintery precipitation coming next week, one of the most important items of clothing one should have in order to brave the bitter cold is a warm winter coat. Two organizations within the county, the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority in Newton and the Union Police Department, are doing their part by offering free jackets to those in need this winter.
Mississippi Housing Authority
Ashiya Hawkins, Executive Director at the Mississippi Housing Authority V in Newton, said that they’ve partnered with the Newton Chamber of Commerce to give back to the community and ensure that everyone had coats for this winter. They also provide socks to those who need them, as well.
“We just wanted to give back to the community and just make sure our kids in the community, and in the surrounding communities, had coats. Because we knew it was going to get a little chilly out there,” said Hawkins. “Through the donations of our staff, we collected quite a few coats. We have had a lot of people to come by and get a coat. And we still have more coats in the back.”
Hawkins said that they are also taking donations of new or slightly used coats and invites those donations to be brought by the Mississippi Housing Authority offices in Newton.
“There are a lot of people in our community that could really benefit from these coats that we have been handing out,” Hawkins said.
Those who are in need of a free winter coat can contact the Newton Chamber of Commerce at 601-683-2001 or 601-917-9953. From there, they’ll be invited to come by the Housing Authority office to pick out the jacket of your choice.
“No questions asked,” said Hawkins.
Union Police Department
Union Police Chief Billy Pat Walker and his department invites those in need in winter jackets to come by the police department for a free jacket.
“We have a number of used coats that were donated, since there was a cold spell coming up,” said Walker. “We’ve given some away, but we still have a good many more to hand out.” They currently have a few toddler sizes, a few assorted adult sizes, and a number of youth-sized jackets, from small to XXL.
To pick up a jacket at the Union Police Department, visit them between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
