On Saturday, Nov. 29, a group of local residents will  provide warm clothing and blankets for the homeless population in Lexington. The group, who call themselves “Project Under Covers” will hold the giveaway in the parking lot of New 2 U Consignments, 103 E. Center St. in Lexington. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. and will end when they run out of items.

The group organized a similar event last month in Winston- Salem and hope that the Lexington outcome is nearly as successful.

“We had hopes for success in our first attempt at doing this but didn’t know what to expect. We were amazed at how much was donated and how many people were able to help” said Jimmy Davis, founder of Project Under Covers.

“The lives of our homeless friends and of our volunteers were touched that day. We’re hoping to make that happen here in Lexington on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.”

With local shelters filling to capacity, advocates say many homeless do not have a warm place to stay. Davis, a Lexington resident, has worked in Winston-Salem for many years and can’t help but notice the large amount of people who are homeless. For decades, he has helped and befriended a good many of them.

Recently, a dear friend of his who was homeless died of cancer. Davis made sure that Cordell Cuffy Grimes’ final days were spent with comfort, care and dignity by getting him in Hospice.

“I witnessed a lot of roadblocks that Cordell had to overcome as a homeless person. He was an intelligent and caring man who deserved to be treated like anyone else yet he constantly had to endure indignities that no one should have to experience.”

With winter setting in, Davis wanted to be able to provide warm clothing and blankets for the cold months ahead, but wanted to do it in a way that respected the dignity of those in need.

Davis doesn’t believe that these events are the time or place to preach to someone or make them feel anything but dignified and cared about. “I learned from the Bible that Jesus helped others with no conditions or expectations. We leave religion, politics, and judgments out of our events. All we’re providing is help and love.”

With the help of co-workers, friends, family, and social media to get out the word, Project Under Covers has collected a good amount of clothing and blankets but says they need more.

There are various drop off places, including New 2 U Consignments and A1 Pharmacy in Lexington, as well as Bel Aire Used Car Rental in Winston-Salem. If people need  donations picked up, they can call or text 336-300-1500. For up-to-date information, the group has a Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Projectundercovers.