Crossroads EMS, the ambulance provider for Hartselle, Falkville and Somerville, is now collecting new and like-new coats for its first Annual Coats for Kids Project.

“We know there are lots of kids in our area that don’t have a good warm coast for winter and we want to help remedy that,” said Candi Hayes, owner of Crossroads EMS. “We also know that we can’t meet the need alone, and that’s why we’re asking the good-hearted people of our county to donate a coat for a needy child.”

“Our personnel are fully supportive of the project and are already donating coats,” she added. “We’re confident many other families in our area will follow their lead and make donations.

She said coats of all sizes for boys and girls are needed. New coats are preferred but used ones are acceptable as long as they are clean and in good condition.

Coats may be dropped between now and Dec. 15 at all three Crossroads EMS locations. The recommended time for a drop is between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Hayes said all coats donated would be brought to the Hartselle office at Hwy. 31, South, (across from Peck Funeral Home) where they will be available for pickup on Mon, Nov. 18. Families with children in need of a coat are invited to come at that time to select a coat(s) of their choice,

“Coats that aren’t taken will be distributed through the elementary schools in our area,” said Hayes.

Another goodwill project EMS is sponsoring is a “Home for the Holidays” visit with families for two residents each at Falkville Healthcare & Rehab and Summerford Nursing Home.

“We’re coordinating with the staffs at both nursing homes to select four residents who are physically able and would enjoy an in-home visit with their loved ones on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.” Hayes said. “We’re going to provide transportation and any other assistance needed to help make that happen.”