LUDOWICI — As the summer heat transitions into cooler fall weather, it's important to make sure children are bundled up for warmth. Some children in Ludowici are in need of extra help this year and a group of local citizens is holding a community coat drive. The drive, Help Keep Smiley Kids Warm, is an effort to collect new and gently used coats to be distributed to those in need.  
The Help Keep Smiley Kids Warm community coat drive will run until Oct. 20. Coats for children in kindergarten through fourth grade may be dropped off at collection boxes throughout Long County. Collection boxes are located at The Heritage Bank, The Ludowici Bank, Wall's IGA, Huddle House and Altamaha Credit Union.