ESCAMBIA COUNTY - When those frigid temperatures hit us recently, most of us just pulled out the heavy coats or put on extra layers.

That was not even an option for some families.
A local school sent out an appeal for coats for children who didn't have one.
That appeal reached the Angels in our Midst.

Astrid Wistedt; I wanted to do something right away.
It did not occur to me. My own child has never been without.

Astrid Wistedt shared the appeal for coats with her co-workers at Sacred Heart Hospital and the Haven Nursing Home.

Valerie; I never thought that there were kids out there that didn't have a coat or have even heat. Or even, the parents were giving them their last so that they could have
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The Haven's resident bargain shopper headed to one of her favorite spots, the Goodwill Easter Seals Thrift Store.

Valerie Robinson, RN, Expert Bargain Shopper; It's fun to come in and see what I can find among all the things that were donated. it also helps to give back because the money here is used to help people who are homeless or in need.

Valerie makes trips to Goodwill several times a week buying more coats, hats and shoes. She gets sizes for the parents too.

Astrid takes all the donations to the school. She'll never forget that first delivery.

Astrid Wistedt, Answered Call For Coats; Was watching three small children trying on jackets while their mother was there. And it was extremely cold that day. It was 22 degrees in Milton that morning.

The little girl wanted to know what she was supposed to do with the coat at the end of the school day.

Astrid; The mother explained to the little girl that at the end of school she was going to wear that jacket and she was going to wear it when she came home. And the little girl looked up at her mother and said, You mean I get to keep it.

It brings tears but the story warms their hearts and reminds them how blessed they are.

Valerie: I can go in my kitchen and fix whatever I want to eat. And there are people that are just fighting for bare necessities.

Astrid; Seeing a child's reaction to something as basic as something that was going to keep her warm when she was walking home from school; was unbelievable.

Angels in our Midst is brought to you by Sacred Heart Children's Hospital.Angels in our Midst (Valerie & Astrid)