David Broyles | The News

Jordan Holt is coordinating a Jeans for All drive for a third year to benefit local needy persons. The 17-year-old cashier plans to distribute fliers to get the work out about the drive that will begin Oct. 27. Persons may drop off gently used or new jeans or pants in any color or size at a donation area in the Just Save store in Pilot Mountain.

slideshow

PILOT MOUNTAIN — Jordan Holt is a 17-year-old cashier who saw an opportunity to help his community and rose to the occasion. He enters the third year of his Jeans for All drive to help the homeless this year.

In his first jeans drive, Holt collected 222 pairs of jeans as a student at the Surry Early College High School of Design. His efforts earned him a citizenship award from the school for the effort. Holt wanted to assure the jeans collected went to help more local persons, so on his second jeans drive, he took 333 pairs of jeans collected to the Children’s Center of Surry. Leftovers from that donation were taken to the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission.

“This is a community involved effort separate from the store (Just Save) that I work at,” said Holt. “I know it seems like I’m narrowing the drive, but I felt it was important people see where what they donate is going to. I have received great support from my co-workers at the store as well.”

Holt said he appreciated the support from Just Save Front End Manager Judy Burrow and Just Save General Manager David Niten. The drive is scheduled to begin Oct. 27 and will continue until Nov. 10. Holt said persons may donate any size gently used or new jeans in any color or pants at a collection area that will be set up at Just Save in Pilot Mountain.

“Schools only have a limited pool of persons to draw from for donations,” explained Holt. “So I thought it would be natural for our store to get involved because the general public means anybody can help. If everybody becomes involved I’m hoping for really good response again this year.”

Where cashiers in the area sometimes witness the personal struggles of their customers and feel helpless to act, Holt saw no reason not to respond. He also said many of his co-workers help the drive by getting the word out to their families, friends and churches and this is an important part of its success.

“Many are not as fortunate as we are. There is homelessness in Surry County,” said Holt. “Grocery stores offer food, household supplies and I just felt providing clothing was another way to help someone who is struggling. Everything is donated, there is no money involved. I wanted to do something to help my community. This year it is completely for our county.”

Where many involved with aiding their fellow men and women quickly feel overwhelmed, Holt seems full of energy.

“In Surry County, we help each other when we need help,” added Holt, who will mark his first year working at the grocery store. “You just have to have fun at this as you’re doing it. It’s not about the money. I so enjoy getting a thank you from customers and people that we help. You just can’t describe the feeling.”

Holt plans on distributing fliers about the Jeans for All project this week. He plans to collect enough jeans to help the Children’s Center of Surry County in Dobson, Shepherd’s House in Mount Airy and the ARK Echo Ministries in Elkin.

“I’m really excited about my third year with the drive,” concluded Holt. “I hope to keep it growing.”

Reach David Broyles at dbroyles@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1952.