[ back ]
Reynoldsburg churches help put coats on residents' backs
(by Kim Lunsford, Staff Writer - October 13, 2009)
As the weather is getting colder, central Ohioans are bringing out the sweaters and coats to stay warm.
But for local families who struggle without the basic needs to survive, a local organization is telling residents, "You are not alone."
"We're here to help people get on their feet," Joseph's Coat volunteer Mary Defibaugh said.
Joseph's Coat, an interdenominational community project of Messiah Lutheran Church, St Pius Catholic and Parkview Presbyterian Church, is serving needy individuals and families in the Reynoldsburg area.
Created in 1998 and serving homeless families who visited Messiah's Luther Haus through the Interfaith Hospitality Network program, Joseph's Coat was born out of a need to provide clothing to those homeless and needy families in the area.
"We want to let needy families know we are here so they can come get clothing and other household items, or for those individuals with excess to drop off their donations," said Joan Barrett, originator of Joseph's Coat.
In its search for a larger space to expand the ministries, volunteers were excited to receive warehouse space donated by ProLogis in the Columbus Corporate Center at 454 McCormick Blvd.
"We are extremely grateful to ProLogis for donating this space," Barrett said.
With the open warehouse space, the group has organized the clothing to appear "store like" and inviting for those families needing services. They also have room to store the larger household items such as sofas, tables and the delivery van that is used to pick up and drop off those larger items.
Individuals and families can come in and state their need of items, being specific as to what larger items they need. Clothing can be picked out right in the warehouse store.
Volunteers are welcome to assist on open dates. Those willing to donate tax-deductible items should contact Joseph's Coat at (614) 863-1371.
Joseph's Coat is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. A delivery truck will pick up donations and drop them off to the families in need at no cost to either party.
"There is help out there and people who care about the community," volunteer Nancy Becker said. "I want the part of our community not in need to know there is a reputable, reliable group out there that can help and want to help."
Volunteers are always welcome to assist on open dates as well as those willing to donate tax deductible items.
Joseph's Coat is hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 to show the community its new location and allow for drop off of donations. Clothing, furniture and household goods are welcome on this date.
The higher need items at this time are towels, sheets, pots and pans, blankets, coats and plastic hangers. Those families in need are also welcome to come to the warehouse during the open house event.
"This is a wonderful way to help people," volunteer Pat Herring said. "It is my commitment to God and church."
[ back ]
