Keeping South Mississippi covered

A Biloxi business has been pressing in for decades, making sure South Mississippians are covered.

For 30 years, Edgewater Cleaners has been woven into the fabric that makes up the Biloxi business sector and since opening its doors, this locally-owned business has gone above and beyond to make sure those in need throughout South Mississippi are covered through their year round coat drive and collection. David A. Blaine with Edgewater Cleaners said, “In that time, we have cleaned over 60,000 coats for needy children in Harrison, Jackson and Hancock counties.”

While teachers often spot the needs of children in their classrooms, Edgewater Cleaners also pairs up with all sorts of organizations throughout South Mississippi, pressing in to make sure no child or adult goes without.

This community outreach program has left a lasting impression on Blaine’s twin sons, David and Matthew, who were just four-years-old when it all started. Now adults, working alongside their dad, they also lend a hand paying it forward. “We grew up watching our parents be successful business men and women and Godly people who had a passion for giving back to their community. So, naturally we just followed in their footsteps,” said Matthew.

David L. Blaine said, “It’s especially important to me because I have four small children, and that’s just something we want to instill early for them so they can give a helping hand.”

Edgewater Cleaners did not stop at just doing the coat drive year round. The Blaines wanted to make sure South Mississippians were fully covered. “Several years ago we started adding shoes to it so we started calling it Coats and Shoes for Kids. We have Kenny Recore with Kenny’s Shoe Repair next door so he helps us clean up the shoes and getting them ready to pass out to the kids.”

Giving a new meaning to walking in someone else’s shoes and meeting the needs of our community.