A record cold winter has motivated a Natchez resident and his wife to make a donation to local senior citizens. Al and Helen Buttross donated at least 5,000 thermal shirts and pants to the Salvation Army of the Miss-Lou Area for distribution to local nursing homes and senior centers.

&uot;It’s important to take care of our people here at home,&uot; Al Buttross said. &uot;We should be willing to respond when there’s a need.&uot;

Buttross formerly operated Buttross Wholesale in Natchez, which sold clothing items.

&uot;I’ve done well – been successful,&uot; Buttross said. &uot;And I just wanted to give something back.&uot;

The clothing items were &uot;the remains of the inventory that we didn’t sell,&uot; he said.

Buttross and his wife recently decided to donate the items due to the cold weather and a recent surge in utility costs.

&uot;It’s an ideal time and I’ve been reading in the papers about the high cost of energy,&uot; Buttross said.

The clothing could help those in need stay warm, he added.

And as opposed to donating the items somewhere &uot;1,000 miles away&uot; Buttross said he wanted to help the people in his own community.

&uot;As the old saying goes, when you’re going to do charity the best place is at home,&uot; Buttross said.

The merchandise also has a variety of uses, Buttross said.

&uot;The people who use (these) will be able to use to keep warm, to go out walking or for sporting activities,&uot; Buttross said.

The merchandise is brand new, but sizes are limited.

&uot;We are so grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Buttross for this donation,&uot;&160;said Lt. Bobby Westmoreland of the Salvation Army.

Senior citizens can also pick up the items today at the Salvation Army office at 509 N. Canal St.