Warmth of an Angel, a project founded by Lee Anna Allred in honor of her late son, is providing warmth to those in need this holiday season.
Through the project, Allred is collecting warming objects, such as blankets and coats, to distribute to those experiencing homelessness.
Allred, a resident of the Boldo community, started this initiative in honor of her late son, Ryan Childers.
“Ryan was such a caring person. I just had it on my heart to do something in his memory,” she said. “This is something he would’ve done.”
“Ryan’s place of employment when he passed was the Grocery Hub. I called them and asked if they’d mind having a donation spot, and they said they didn’t mind at all,” Allred said.
Childers had volunteered with Hope House Church, giving food to those experiencing food and housing insecurity, and Allred is now partnering with them to distribute warming objects.
“There’s more homeless people in Jasper than anybody would think,” Allred said. “Some of these people are homeless because they’ve lost their jobs. Some of these people have children. I would not want to be one of these parents having to find a place for my kids to go when it’s cold.”
Allred said this project has been successful so far.
““One of the drop sports is Friendly Auto Sales on Viking Drive. I’m actually going to pick up an abundance there this weekend,” she said.
Allred expressed a desire to continue the Warmth of an Angel drive in the future.
“My hope is to do this every year. There has been an outpouring of support from the community. Ryan was well-liked. He was actually nicknamed ‘Hollywood’ for being a jokester. He’d get his work done, but he’d make you laugh. His priority was to make friends and love everybody,” she said.
Donation drop spots in Jasper are Central States Manufacturing, Friendly Auto Sales and Kingdom Impact Church as well as The Grocery Pub in Homewood. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 15.
“Kindness goes a long way,” Allred said. “It’s a very sad situation, but I know my son is looking down at me and telling me he’s proud of me.”
