Coats for the Cold Campaign Helps Bradley County Children

BRADLEY COUNTY, TN (WDEF ) –

Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson let us in on a little known fact.

He says hundreds of children in the county don’t have anything warmer than a t-shirt to keep them warm outside.

And the why is disturbing to many.

Sheriff Watson says, "Some cases mom and dad’s on drugs and they feel like alcohol and drugs are more important than taking care of their kids."

Fifteen years ago, Sheriff Watson witnessed it firsthand; a group of kids on a playground, without jackets, in almost freezing temperatures.

Sheriff Watson adds, "So I knocked on mom and dad’s door and they claimed they didn’t have the money, but there was plenty of alcohol and cigarettes on the table."

That’s when the program called Coats for the Cold was born.

Lieutenant Tim Mason, with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, says, "It’s an unbelievable feeling. I love it."

Lieutenant Mason picks up new or used coats from businesses, then helps deliver them to children who are in need.

Some of the kids are recommended by area principals, others just call the sheriff’s office requesting one.

Sheriff Watson says, "It builds their esteem, morale, self being."

That makes sense because children usually feel special in a new piece of clothing.

Sheriff Watson says we usually take coats for granted.

However, for children in low income families it’s a different story.

David Gunter, with Family Tire and Auto, says, "Let get them something and keep them warm. God bless you."

For more information on how you can donate, call 728-7301.