Ledger photo / JOE L. HUGHES II Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer leans in to hug a resident during his visit to the Senior Centers of Cherokee County after presenting several blankets as part of his "Blanket Blitz" campaign. S.C. Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer was in town Friday- not for campaign purposes- but to ensure that Gaffney's senior citizens are protected from the harsh cold of winter.

Clients of Senior Centers of Cherokee County and Bethel Senior Day Care were handed blankets by a host of delegates including the lieutenant governor and state Rep. Dennis Moss (D-Cherokee) as part of this year's "Blanket Blitz."

A cooperative effort of Bauer's Palmetto Tomorrow Foundation and Duke Energy, the blankets are being distributed to keep seniors warm, specifically at this time of year.

"Senior citizens are very vulnerable at this time of year," Bauer said. "But these blankets help not only to keep them warm, they also help save a lot of money on electric bills."

Close to 2,500 blankets were handed out on the first leg of the campaign, as along with his visits to Cherokee County senior centers Bauer also made a stop at Spartanburg's Archibald Rutledge Center.

The lieutenant governor plans to finish his foray through the Upstate on Friday with stops in five counties including Greenville, Anderson and Laurens.

In addition to the blankets, information on electrical safety and a checklist of precautionary measures were distributed to seniors.

"This is an important part of what we do," Duke Energy business relations manager George Acker said. "These blankets can be used in the summer and help stay warm even when the power is out."

The blitz was the perfect opportunity to unveil a new mobile Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), which began operations last month. The vehicle gives seniors and those with disabilities a place to gather the necessary paperwork and make appointments for a wealth of social programs in their local area.

"The mobile ADRC will bring services to communities that would otherwise have none, making it easier for those without transportation to receive the help they need," Bauer said.

The resource center is shared by Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties.

Those in need of a blanket or information on helping senior citizens across the state can call 800-434-4036 or the lieutenant governor's office 800-868-9095.