Coats for the Homeless

"I, like many professionals in Atlanta, went through a divorce, lost everything, and, without a helping hand from a friend, could have become one of 'those' people," says Dr. Barbara Serle Rhodes, explaining why she has started a coat drive for the homeless. "And a lot of people are just a paycheck away from being in that situation."

Rhodes, a chiropractor currently residing in Lilburn, says she chose Johns Creek as the place to market her coat drive because "it's the richest town in Georgia." She has become involved with the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, and says the organization has been instrumental in getting the word out about the drive, with some members allowing for their businesses to be drop-off points.

As a result of the coat drive, Rhodes was recently able to take some 35 coats to distribute to homeless folks in downtown Atlanta, and has about 15 she's going to take to a shelter for women and children in Roswell.

New, or gently used coats, and scarves and gloves, are still needed with the final collection just prior to Dec. 30. Collection points include:

• Johns Creek Chamber, 10475 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek
• , 11720 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek
• , 11030 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek
• Comcast Spotlight, 6250 Shiloh Road, Johns Creek
• Comcast Spotlight, 2975 Courtyards Drive, Norcross
• Glancy Rehabilitation Center, 3215 McClure Bridge Road, Duluth