Jets Softball players ‘Throw Some Heat’ to homeless

MADISON – Softball team players at James Clemens High School are thinking of others less fortunate as they “Throw Some Heat” to the homeless.

The Jets athletes are collecting winter clothing, clean blankets, hats, gloves, socks and other warm items, laundry supplies and quarters for the Loads of Love organization now through Dec. 2.

“Loads of Love is a group of volunteers that provides laundry services, a warm meal and a listening ear to the homeless and needy in the Huntsville area,” softball parent Jennifer McDowell said. Loads of Love meets monthly on the first Saturday to help homeless individuals wash clothing and give moral support.

“Many of our clients are on the streets full time and are always in need of clean blankets, hats, gloves and socks during the winter months,” Loads of Love coordinator Michelle Stewart said.

“Bring all donations to Coach Barnes’ room (B111) during the Refuel hour through Dec. 2 so that James Clemens can be a blessing to the community,” McDowell said.

On Dec. 3, the James Clemens Softball Team will drop off all donated items to the Laundry Room 2 (735 U.S. 72 E. in Huntsville at the intersection of Sparkman Drive and Memorial Parkway). Loads of Love volunteers meet at this site monthly to wash and dry clothes free of charge for those people in need.

The Throw Some Heat campaign has served as a team-building experience and increased camaraderie among players on the Jets Softball Team, McDowell said.

Loads of Love also helps with laundry and needs for anyone, not just homeless individuals. “We also provide warm meals, courtesy of Chick-fil-A, GiGi’s Cupcakes and many on our team,” Stewart said.

Loads of Love’s mission is to assist people with a simple need: clean clothes. “We have discovered, though, that Loads of Love is about much more than the clothes. We want to do what Jesus would do,” Stewart said.

For more information, call McDowell at 256-509-0033 or Stewart at 256-684-5208 or visit thelaundryroom2.com.