ASHLAND CITY, TN––Colby's Army, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is asking for donations of supplies for area homeless and those in need due to COVID-19. For the past ten years, the organization has helped the homeless and those in need, but due to Nashville's tornado earlier this spring, COVID-19, and the resulting economy, the need is far greater than ever before. "We have tripled our outreach efforts since March," said Lisa Wysocky, executive director of Colby's Army. "We need men's and women's casual summer clothing in all sizes and in good condition, flip flops, chap stick, socks, sanitizing wipes, dark ball caps, solid colored backpacks, hand sanitizers, disposable masks, tents, tarps, sun glasses, sunscreen, travel mugs and portable water bottles with covers, 16 oz. bottled water, toiletries, first aid supplies, linens, pillows, non-perishable food, towels and wash cloths, dog and cat food and treats, coolers, AA and AAA batteries, art supplies, and fiction books (especially mysteries, thrillers, and westerns)." Colby's Army works with people in need in Cheatham and western Davidson counties, handing out food and supplies, and also refers to other organizations who help with housing, and health and mental health care. "The need right now really is overwhelming," said Wysocky. "We recently came across a family with four children who were living in their SUV. Dad lost his job due to a COVID layoff, and they eventually lost their rental home. He had been looking for work with no luck, and ended up panhandling on the street. We loaded them up with hygiene items, first aid supplies, food, water, books, and pillows; and art supplies for the kids." Wysocky added that many people the Colby's Army staff and volunteers find on the street and in camps are traumatized, and it takes time to gain enough trust to get enough information to refer them to health and housing agencies. Those still in housing, but hurting due to COVID-19 or the economy, can no longer afford food or basic household supplies. Donated items can be mailed to Colby's Army, 1394 George Boyd Road, Ashland City, TN 37015. Pick-ups of larger quantities of items is possible. Or, people can help by making a financial donation so Colby's Army can purchase items. Links to donate financially can be found on the organization's website at www.ColbysArmy.org, or checks can be mailed to the address above. Colby's Army also provides therapeutic horseback riding, equine assisted learning, organic gardening, and job training programs for individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional life challenges. However, due to COVID-19, those programs are currently limited in scope or are on hold. All financial donations and in-kind gifts are tax deductible according to applicable laws.
