Horry County shelter gets hundreds of coats during 5th annual event

Gracie Fusco
·2 min read

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Hundreds of coats were delivered Tuesday to New Directions of Horry County as part of the 5th annual “Coats for the Coast” coat drive.

The organization partnered with DBC Myrtle Beach and Bojangles, saying that this was the biggest year yet.

People dropped off coats at all 12 Bojangles locations in Horry County. Event coordinators said the drive could not have been possible without them.

“We appreciate all of the residents of Horry County for stepping up again this year. This is a worthy cause,” said Artie Green with DBC Radio. “New Directions does so much for the homeless of Horry County and for us to be able to supply these coats for them is a thrill for us.”

New Directions of Horry County is a shelter in Myrtle Beach that helps people in the community recover from homelessness, poverty and addiction.

CEO Kathy Jenkins said basic needs need to be met “before you can move forward.” She also said they connect people with the resources they need to overcome whatever barriers they have and get them back on their feet.

Green had an idea and brought it to life five years ago.

“I came up with this idea and approached Bojangles,” Green said. “Because there are a lot more homeless in this area than most of us realize.”

To top it off, each year Bojangles provides lunch for everyone to enjoy after receiving their new coats.

“We do hear from so many people how appreciative they are,” Jenkins said. “Every single time the community steps up and does something like this, they are always so appreciative.”

If you weren’t able to participate in the coat drive, you can still drop off donations at DBC Radio located at 1016 Ocala St..

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Gracie is a multimedia journalist at News 13 and is from Cleveland, Ohio. Gracie joined the team in June 2023 after graduating from the University of Alabama in May. Follow Gracie on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, & read more of her work here.

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