The Immanuel Baptist Church on the westside was a recent recipient of a grant that provides free coats to low-income families through the national non-profit Operation Warm. Becky Rickard, the event coordinator, said the church received more than 72 coats to distribute to children and young adults. “We applied for this grant because we wanted to bring something positive to this community,” she said. More than 30 families signed up to receive a free coat and the church will continue to distribute them through their Maternity Resource Center and through inquires made by phone. Rickard said residents can contact the church at 614-274-2687 to check for availability. Shown in this photo at a distribution event on Jan. 17 is Paula Minerd (left), a member of the church, and Ellie Bigelow, 9, who gushed over some of the colors and styles available.
