A partnership was arranged recently between the Batesville Civitan Club and Mississippi Coats 4 Kidz. Norm Cote, who’d organized a coat drive among the Civitans in past years, joined with Linda Keys of Marks in her newly formed nonprofit that seeks to serve children in five counties in North Mississippi, including Panola, this winter, with a goal to cover all 82 counties eventually. Keys said she is working with schools and social service agencies to identify children who need coats.
The group has received permission to collect donations of new coats or financial contributions at the South Panola High School homecoming game October 21. In addition, donations can be dropped off at Cote’s business, Mississippi Detective Service, 100 Eureka St., Batesville, Monday through Friday, 8-5. For information, or to volunteer, call Keys at 314-749-6011.
The Panolian photo by Rita Howell