By Gregory Childress

gchildress@heraldsun.com; 419-6645

Chapel Hill -- Blanket Orange County is reporting that it is halfway to its goal of collecting 300 blankets before Dec. 21 to distribute to residents of the Interfaith Council's (IFC) Community House and Homestart.

Already organizers have made two deliveries to the organization, and they could not have come soon enough. Nighttime temperatures have dropped below freezing and more cold weather is in the forecast.

"I'm thrilled and really happy, especially since it's gotten so cold," said Jan Bolick, director of Blanket Orange County. "It's a real easy and quick way that people can help."

Chris Moran, executive director of the IFC, said the organization is "grateful for all of the blankets that we have received thus far" and urges everyone to help Blanket Orange County reach its goal.

In the 10 days leading up to Friday, 150 blankets were donated by Orange County residents and their friends for the blanket drive, which will end on the first day of winter.

In addition to distributing blankets to residents of Community House and HomeStart, the covers also will be given to unsheltered persons who sleep outdoors when shelters are full on cold winter nights.

"Your gifts of blankets are important and they make a huge difference in the lives of homeless persons," Moran said in a statement.

Blanket Orange County still needs 150 more new and gently used blankets.

They can be dropped off at these locations until Dec. 21:

- The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce on Estes Drive.

- The Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA on Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard.

- The UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont.

- YMCA at Meadowmont on Old Barn Lane.

Cash donations are also accepted, and 100 percent of all cash donations will be used to purchase new blankets that will be purchased locally. Blanket Orange County can purchase new blankets for $7.

Make checks payable to Blanket Orange County and mail to: Blanket Orange County c/o Business Class Inc. PO Box 2037 Chapel Hill, NC 27515.

For more information, visit the Blanket Orange County Web site at www.blanketorangecounty.com.