For most of us, a warm coat, warm socks, and clean undies are easy to buy, but for many in our community, this need is real. Gil Howard, Operations Manager for Hendrix Sport Shop, is on a mission to help out the kids in our community this winter.
Gil reached out to Ted Wynn, Bulloch County Public Safety Director, and Sheriff Noel Brown with his idea of doing a coat drive for kids, and both of them thought it was a great idea and pledged their support.
With their support, he launched the coat drive and will continue it through December 15, 2023. They are asking for all sizes of new or gently used (washed) coats and new kids socks and underwear.
Several churches in the county including First Baptist Church in Brooklet and Connection Church have joined this effort and have agreed to help collect and distribute coats.
In speaking with Anna Beecher with Fostering Bulloch's Hope Chest, she also expressed a need for warm socks and undies for kids.
Gil has secured large green rolling trash containers and placed Hendrix Sports Shop Coats for Kids signage on them and has placed them at key locations around the county. The locations include:
- Hendrix Sport Shop - 152 North Parrish Street/N 301
- Grice Connect/Lori Grice Photography, 34 East Main Street, Statesboro
- Ivory Tower Tattoo Studio, 406 Fair Road #9, Statesboro
- Bulloch County EMS stations in Brooklet, Portal, Register, on Grady Street
- 911 Office
- Bulloch County Sheriff's Office
- Portal City Hall
- Connor Realty
- Brooklet City Hall
Anyone wanting to join this effort and help in any way is encouraged to call Gil Howard at 912-481-4023.
Now this is Grice Good. Help a kid out if you can!
Hendrix Sport Shop
Hendrix Sports Shop, located at 152 Parrish Street in Statesboro, is the only mom and pop bait and tackle shop that remains open in the area. The store was founded 42 years ago by the late Jimmy Hendrix, who was passionate about the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He understood the positive impact taking a kid fishing or hunting can have on our community.
The store is also known as a gathering point for many in our community to gain information on their friends and neighbors. Sometimes what they hear and share is even true!
The bait and tackle shops, like the old community grocery stores, were the Facebook of times gone by.
The tradition continues through Jimmy's daughters Kelly McDonald and Stephanie Brunson, who owns and helps operate the business, and Gil who keeps the doors open and is always ready to help local outdoor enthusiasts.
They are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturday from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.
