Later this month, volunteers from United Way will conduct their annual Point-in-Time Count of homeless persons in Forsyth County, which last year numbered nearly 450 individuals. Meanwhile, Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, in partnership with the Winston-Salem Police Department and the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, is prepared to provide assistance and comfort to the homeless.
“We maintain a year-round inventory of over 300 blankets that can be picked up at any time by police, who can then distribute them to those in need in the community,” said Sara Butner, Goodwill communications manager.
The Winston-Salem Police Department distributes approximately 600 donated blankets each year between the months of November and March. The YMCA launders the blankets which are then stored at Goodwill.
The public can donate blankets at Goodwill’s stores at 514 Waughtown Street or 2760 Peters Creek Parkway, but must mention the blankets for the homeless initiative. For more information, email info@goodwillnwnc.org.