Q&A on the news

By Lori Johnston

For the AJC

Q: You always see in pictures or on TV, Mayor Shirley Franklin wearing her giant flower corsages. I was just wondering where she gets them from and if they are real. They are cool and unusual.

—Anthony Lewis, Atlanta

A: Most of the flowers, which are worn on her right shoulder, are not real, said Beverly Isom, Franklin’s spokeswoman. Isom said the mayor has received dozens of flowers as gifts. Franklin also purchases some of the flowers herself, but Isom said she doesn’t buy all the flowers from one particular business. She started wearing the flowers shortly after her inauguration in 2002; during her campaign she wore broaches.

Q: I have several winter coats I would like to donate. Do you know of any organization that gives donated coats directly to people in need?

—Gene Turner, Sandy Springs

A: One option is Project Overcoat, which provides thousands of new and gently used coats and blankets to men, women and children in need, said Malika White, spokeswoman for the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. The United Way, the Atlanta Union Mission, FOX 5, KISS 104.1, FedEx and Kroger are involved in the drive, which will run Jan. 9-23. The collected items are distributed to nonprofit organizations throughout metro Atlanta. To donate coats/blankets, contact the United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or e-mailing projectovercoat@unitedwayatlanta.org. The Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless is another organization that accepts winter coats; call 404-230-5000.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).