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The Warmth Of People Caring!

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Gail Parton, Hilda Roper and Harry Deyton show off the variety and beautiful coats to be given to those in need.

It’s only 19.3 square miles in size and has a population of all rural folks totaling 1,773. This is Gilkey, North Carolina, up in Rutherford County. The folks in Gilkey still are good neighbors and love their homeplace. Ye’ Old Gilkey School (1923 to 1999) building is still standing and has become the Gilkey School Community Center and Neighbors Pantry. The building has become a center of activity for everyone in Gilkey. Every third Saturday they still gather in the building for a great breakfast. A community staying in touch is the theme of this place.

Recently Gail Parton went before the Community Center Board with an idea. She proposed starting a coat collection to keep families, men, women and children warm this coming winter by collecting coats and then giving them to those in need. It resulted in the beginning of a Coat Locker in the Gilkey School Building, located in the last room on the left.

Soon, Gail got Hilda Roper and Harry Deyton involved. She gives them credit for doing much of the work, collecting and setting out the coats. They advertised to churches and organizations and asked for coat donations. They also got Tanner’s in Rutherfordton involved. Tanner’s loaned the Coat Locker racks for the coats, let their location become a drop off location and offered a 10% discount on purchases to anyone donating a coat. Gail Parton said she was very pleased because “when we asked for coats,  I was very surprised by the response.” She also added that everyone involved will “have the enjoyment of knowing there will be people kept warm with these coats.” The basic premise of what they are doing with this coat drive is taken from the Bible. “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12) For everyone in Gilkey this is what it’s all about. They have never forgotten that being good folks and taking care of neighbors is so much an important part of their everyday lives. Gilkey folks are some of the most loving, caring and giving you will ever find. We’re proud that they live in Rutherford County. Whenever the need, you can always count on them. 

What started out as a simple idea has now resulted in a great response. Thus far over 300 coats have been collected and there is still more needed to keep neighbors warm this winter. Dates for the distribution of the coats will be announced through advertisements, churches and schools. Everyone will be invited to come to the Coat Locker at the Gilkey School. Then they can select a coat of their choosing. Mothers, Fathers, Children, and Seniors will be invited and each must come in person if they desire to get a coat. 

If you want to join in this program and donate a coat please feel free to drop by Tanner’s in Rutherfordton or call for pick up: for Gail Parton 828-287-4830 or 828-289-5208 and for Hilda Roper 828-287-5673. The coat drive continues and you can still participate. Aren’t you glad you live in Rutherford County?

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