Local company donates 300 winter gear items to Salvation Army

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- Everyone has been struggling during the pandemic, but this year has taken an even greater toll on homeless people.

However, a local company in Bowling Green is working to change that. 

“What’s going on today here at the Salvation Army is exciting news. Our community partners continue to show out and support the many needs that are here in the community,” said Capt. Michael Cox, Corps Officer for the Salvation Army. 

Leachman Buick GMC Cadillac launched a Holidays for the Homeless drive in the beginning of December. They collected donated winter gear items like coats, hats, gloves and sleeping bags. 

“There are some that are less fortunate. And they need shelter, they need clothing. They deserve the same right to be as warm as what some of us take for granted,” said Leachman General Sales Manager Tyler Jaggers. 

The Salvation Army staff said they’ve seen a steady increase of people asking for help this year. 

“It’s more consistent this year. Normally, you would have just spikes here and there but this year because of the pandemic it’s shown to be a more consistent need,” Cox said.

The Leachman team had a goal of 200 donations from the South Central Kentucky area but the community went above and beyond with 300 donations. 

“I didn’t really know a number. Two hundred I thought was a good number, and when 300 came about it was like my goodness, we’re going to help several people,” said Jaggers.  

“When you think of 300, that goes a great deal. We’re talking about 300 individuals possibly receiving these items that are either having warm hands, warm bodies, a warmer way to sleep, should they continue to choose to sleep outside. Or when they stay here, some like to sleep in sleeping bags. That’s what they’re used to, and to have that comfort of knowing that there’s warmth provided,” said Cox.