THOMASVILLE — Even South Georgia winter nights tend to get cold, but a warm-hearted local initiative will ensure those in need will be covered during the Christmas season. 

The Georgia Pines WeCovery Peer Recovery Center is hosting its annual initiative Operation: “Gotcha Covered” where the organization collects blanket donations that will be distributed to the homeless.

“We try to do something every year that can help the community,” Charles Hines, Georgia Pines case manager, said as he recalled in 2019 the initiative called on the community to donate socks for children in need. 

With another target in mind, the organization switched gears with the first blanket drive last year that ended successfully with 150 donated blankets helping to keep those caught out in the cold warm. 

Hoping to exceed last year’s donations, the organization already has collected 14 blankets, thanks to donations from Belk’s and Walmart. 

Hines noted the local homeless shelter isn’t open every day, which is why the blankets can serve as a small comfort to the homeless community in Thomasville. 

“Our main goal is to see what we can do for some of the people that’s sleeping outside with no cover at all,” he said. “The importance is giving them some hope.”

Anyone willing to give back is encouraged to donate blankets to the center located at 2004-12 Georgia Highway 122. The last day donations are being accepted is December 22 by 3 p.m.

For more information about Operation: “Gotcha Covered” contact (229) 236-7464.