Baldwin EMC will once again accept new and gently used children’s coats this holiday season to donate to younger members of the community in need of a coat to stay warm. From Nov. 1 through Nov. 29, the cooperative is hosting a children’s coat drive and will be taking donations at all three offices.

“When we initially incorporated children’s coats into our Power of Giving campaign two years ago, we were completely overwhelmed by the response,” said Baldwin EMC Vice President of Corporate Services and Public Relations Mark Ingram. “Traditionally, we have accepted non-perishable food, which we donate to local food pantries, as part of our blood drive event. Adding the coat drive has allowed us to have a positive impact on the children in our community. It’s an incredible feeling to witness such generosity from our members and neighbors and we can’t wait to see what this year will hold.”

The co-op will host the 13th annual Power of Giving blood and non-perishable food drive at the Baldwin EMC headquarters in Summerdale on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. However, coats are currently being accepted and can be dropped off at any Baldwin EMC office (Summerdale, Bay Minette or Orange Beach) during normal business hours from now until the day of the event.

“Whether you can give blood, non-perishable food, a coat for a child, or all of the above, we hope to see another huge turnout from our community this year,” Ingram said. “That generosity can change, or even save, a life this holiday season.”

On the day of the event, staff members from LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will be set up in Baldwin EMC’s Training Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to take blood donations. In order to give blood, you must be in good health, 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and show a valid photo I.D.

New or gently used children’s coats and non-perishable food will also be accepted. All blood donors will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win a $100 Visa gift card or an electric grill.