Dear Editor,

With the temperature now dipping into the teens, the arrival of brightly colored and fluffy new coats, caps and mittens could not have come at a better time.Rather than exchange gifts among themselves, the senior managers of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, (SRNS) donated children's coats, caps, and mittens. A total of 97 bright and fluffy coats, and bags full of caps and mittens were collected. A decision was made to divide them among several United Way agencies in the area.

Most children have returned to school this week, wearing warm coats, received as gifts during the holiday. Even though it is hard for most of us to imagine, there are still many children who will not be wearing a coat at all. Quoting Garry Flowers, president and CEO of SRNS, "we believe it is important that SRNS give back to the communities and families that help make us successful, especially those in need. The coats donated by our managers are just a small token of their appreciation."

Barnwell received 29 out of 97 coats and a bag full of caps and mittens; I had the privilege of delivering those coats to the schools, which was a gratifying experience for me. The only thing that would have made it better would have been the opportunity to see the faces of the children who received them knowing that tomorrow they will be proud, warm, and toasty on their way to school.

Participating in The Barnwell County United Way effort has made the needs in the county much more evident to me; but if you want to really know what is going on in your county, just pull a school teacher aside and let them enlighten you. The many stories of children who are starving on Monday mornings, freezing in the cold because they do not own a coat, or just plane starved for affection, will break your heart.

On behalf of the Barnwell County United Way Board and the schools in Barnwell County, thank you, SRNS Managers, for your generous contribution. It is a gift that will keep on giving throughout the winter.

Sincerely,
Linda Bridgmon,
Barnwell County United Way board member