Last week, the Ironton City Mission hosted a clothing giveaway at its location on North Fifth Street.

These take place twice a month and pastor and director Jeff Cremeans says up to 125 families a month come through to receive the donated items.

The Mission is staffed by volunteers who give their time to carry on its work of providing clothing and food to the needy, as well as running a shelter for those who are homeless.

As Cremeans said, their work tends to be noticed more during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, but the donations that keep the nonprofit running are needed year round.

Fortunately, one local organization recently stepped up and provided a sizeable donation to the Mission.

Ironton Elks Lodge 177 made a $1,500 donation for the purpose of aiding and assisting the city’s homeless population.

Elks leaders said it was part of their commitment to giving back to the community.

Nationally, the Elks, which have more than 2,000 lodges across the country, have donated $80 million to charitable efforts.

As one of the lower income counties in the nation, Lawrence County has a large population in need.

It is a credit to groups like the Elks to help fund organizations like The Mission who are helping to address these needs.