Closet door opens for coat donations.Byline: Kim Ring SOUTHBRIDGE - As she was hanging out the sign for the Winter Coat Closet at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Holy Trinity Episcopal Church can refer to:
It made her smile. Three years ago, the church at 446 Hamilton St. opened its free coat closet in hopes that those in need would come by. Word of the effort was spread to other churches and organizations, and dozens of coats poured in - then marched out on the backs of new owners. "Everyone should have a coat," said parishioner Eileen DeMings, who set the effort in motion when she mentioned a similar project at the church where she once worshipped in Salem. The Ecumenical Fellowship Community began working on the idea, seeking donations of clean, new or gently used coats. They built a closet to house the garments and opened the doors to Southbridge residents, who responded quickly. They estimate about 250 coats were taken in and handed out last year. Among the more interesting tales Mrs. DeMings has heard, is the one from an African man who, with his family, arrived in Southbridge in the middle of winter. The coats handed to them were greatly appreciated, and much needed by a family accustomed to far warmer climes. A family that came from Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (pwār`tō rē`kō), island (2005 est. pop. 3,917,000), 3,508 sq mi (9,086 sq km), West Indies, c.1,000 mi (1,610 km) SE of Miami, Fla. under similar circumstances CIRCUMSTANCES, evidence. The particulars which accompany a fact. 2. The facts proved are either possible or impossible, ordinary and probable, or extraordinary and improbable, recent or ancient; they may have happened near us, or afar off; they are public or also found warm coats at the church. The coat closet is open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays (except for Nov. 21 because the Sugar Plum A sugar plum is a piece of candy that is made of sugar and shaped in a small round or oval shape. Sugar plums are widely associated with Christmas, through cultural phenomena such as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker Fair is that day). Donations are accepted then, and those who need one can come by to find a coat. Anyone who needs to make an appointment at another time to try on a coat or donate can call the church at (508) 765-9559. The coat closet is expected to remain open through the end of the year. Mrs. DeMings said if there isn't a coat suited for the person in need, she writes down their contact information and calls when she thinks she has one. Right now, larger-sized adult coats, children's coats and outdoor wear suitable for working in are needed She said the closet is easy to run; coats come in, are hung in the closet, tried on and taken home. And volunteering there is a feel-good experience. "Everyone says thank you," she said. ART: PHOTO CUTLINE: Parishioner Eileen DeMings is organizing the winter coats closet at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. PHOTOG pho·tog n. Informal A person who takes photographs, especially as a profession; a photographer. : T&G Staff/DAN GOULD |
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