Upper Room Hosts Blizzard of Blankets Donation Drive

For Mike and Susan Moorehead, it's become an annual tradition.

Throughout the year, the couple collects blankets, gloves, hats, and toiletries to give to the Upper Room during its Blizzard of Blankets donation drive.

"It's almost like a competition for us to outdo what we did the year before," said Mrs. Moorehead.  "We really enjoy helping and so we are on a blanket crusade all year long."

The annual event aims to help out Erie's homeless population by providing them with winter garments.

"Pretty much every day, someone comes in and asks us for a blanket," said Upper Room Executive Director Saunder McLaurin.  "This is a perfect opportunity for people to drop off blankets so people can stay warm in the winter time when it is cold outside."

According to McLaurin, the organization helps 30 to 50 people everyday.

However, in the winter, those numbers double.

"There are a lot of people that are still outside when it's cold outside, if they are not in a shelter," said McLaurin.  "This is a great opportunity for them to stay as warm as possible."

Members of the Keller Willams Realty team dropped off hundreds of coats and blankets that they collected over the past month.

"We all know how these Erie winters can be, so it always warms the heart," said realtor Ron Kleppick.  "It makes me feel good during the holiday season.  I know it makes our team feel good and our clients.  It's just all good feels."

Saunders says each donation will go a long way to help out those in need.