The start of a new year brings chilly weather for the city of Charlotte, with overnight lows reaching or exceeding freezing several times per year. With that in mind, Waltonwood Cotswold – a premier senior living community – is helping people stay warm at night by collecting blankets, quilts and sheets and donating them to Crisis Assistance Ministry, a nonprofit organization. The public is encouraged to drop off the items at Waltonwood Cotswold (5215 Randolph Rd.) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday. A donation box has been set up at the front desk at the community, and they will collect donations until February 18.
“We always look for ways to lend a helping hand, and with thousands of people in need in the Charlotte area, the blankets will help us make a difference,” said Logan Diard, life enrichment manager. “Crisis Assistance Ministry does so much for the community, so this is the least we can do to give back. We encourage the public to stop by the senior living community with a blanket in tow. These are simple items that will make a difference in the lives of so many, and they will brighten the day of a person who is trying to get back on the right track.”
Crisis Assistance Ministry was created in 1975 by a group of local churches as a single, centralized place for Mecklenburg County residents to receive emergency financial assistance?to?prevent homelessness and utility disconnection. Today, the nonprofit continues to serve as a one-stop shop for Mecklenburg families facing poverty. Their goal is to preserve the dignity of customers while preventing homelessness and eviction.
“We are happy to hold a blanket drive at the community and know we will exceed our expectations with the help of our residents and the public,” said Nichola Johnson, executive director at Waltonwood Cotswold. “Giving back is something we pride ourselves in at the community. We have hosted multiple drives benefiting local nonprofit organizations and businesses in the past. We hope when residents, associates and the public are out at the store and picking up items for themselves that they grab a few extra items to help those less fortunate. We are excited to tally up the number of items at the end of the month to see just how many people we are able to help. Our doors are open each day, and our associates are eagerly awaiting the donations.”