Organizers of coat drives in Bartholomew County are encouraging residents to show their warmth by donating winter apparel for the needy.
The Columbus Lions Club has launched a coat drive for November on behalf of the local Love Chapel Ministries. And the Columbus Salvation Army at 2525 Illinois Ave., working alongside Community Church of Columbus, is accepting coats, just as it has done for several years.
In fact, Salvation Army Capt. Amy Tompkins said she recently gave a local resident a coat on a chilly day and later spotted him on a long jaunt on foot across town.
“So I know he was really appreciative,” Tompkins said.
Community Church of Columbus’ deadline for its portion of the drive is Sunday, according to Pastor Mike Mantooth. Donors can drop off items at the church lobby at 3850 N. Marr Road from 8 a.m. to noon Friday in addition to bringing coats Sunday. The church has been a part of such work for several years.
The Salvation Army has no current deadline for winter items.
Lions Club member Jerry Simo mentioned that another member, Allen Dillman, suggested the drive after Dillman realized some Love Chapel clients mentioned they have no coat for the approaching colder weather.
“We saw a need and decided to step up,” Simo said.
As part of the Lions Club drive, people can drop off donated winter apparel at DJ Cleaners at 4270 W. Jonathan Moore Pike, Art’s Cleaners at 1980 N. National Road or 326 California St., or Burd’s Cleaners at 1129 Washington St., according to organizers.
Tompkins said the Salvation Army gave away more than 500 donated coats last winter — 200 more than the previous winter.
“I’m so glad we’re able to help support the community,” Tompkins said. “The fact that there still are so many people who don’t have what they need is pretty amazing.”
Tompkins said some of those clients in need of winter wear range from financially struggling single parents to the homeless.
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What: Drives for winter apparel for the needy
Drop off points: DJ Cleaners, Burd’s Cleaners and Art’s Cleaners, plus the Salvation Amy and Community Church of Columbus (until Sunday)
The need: The Columbus Salvation Army alone gave away more than 500 coats last winter, according to organizers.
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