THOMASVILLE- As winter approaches, Wecovery, a peer support program of Georgia Pines CSB, is launching Operation: Gotcha Covered, its annual blanket drive organized to support unhoused individuals and financially insecure families across Southwest Georgia. This initiative, in its fifth consecutive year, reflects Wecovery’s mission to foster hope and connection within communities affected by mental health challenges and substance misuse.

“Every year, we reach more people, and every year, the need increases,” said J. Dan Bailey, Wecovery Program Manager. “Last year, we collected and distributed over 550 blankets, culminating with a collaboration at the City of Thomasville’s Feed the Community event in December of 2023.”

Georgia Pines’ Wecovery’s outreach reaches across six counties in Southwest Georgia, including communities in Thomasville, Moultrie, Bainbridge, Cairo, Boston, Camilla, and Donalsonville. This blanket drive is more than the fabric of the blankets; Bailey says it’s about the fabric of our communities.

“The blankets provide warmth, but more importantly, this is an opportunity to forge a real connection with the unhoused and financially insecure in our communities,” Bailey emphasized. “Recovery from mental health challenges and substance misuse begins with an opportunity for hope, the cost of which is so very low. Recovery is real in Southwest Georgia.”

The community is encouraged to get involved by donating new blankets in the coming weeks. Donations can be dropped off at Georgia Pines locations like Wecovery or designated regional collection sites. Businesses, churches, and civic groups are invited to host collection drives to help expand the initiative’s reach.

Operation: Gotcha Covered will culminate in December when the collected blankets will be distributed through outreach efforts, culminating with the City of Thomasville’s Feed the Community event on December 20th at the Department of Labor, 407 N. Madison St., from 3:30-5:30 For many recipients, the blankets represent more than physical warmth—they serve as a gesture of compassion and a bridge to the resources and support offered by Georgia Pines’ Wecovery and its partners.

For more information about Operation: Gotcha Covered or to learn how to contribute, contact Wecovery at 229-236-7464.