BIG RAPIDS, REED CITY — As the weather cools and the mornings become frosty, local organizations and area volunteers will be providing warmth for those in need.
"I'm really hoping we can get enough coats, boots and snow pants for the kids," Chris Todd, Reed City Ministerial Association Director of the Coat, said.
Hosted by the Big Rapids and Reed City First United Methodist Churches, people of all ages will have the opportunity to receive free winter clothing at upcoming events.
The clothing drive is for people in need, and will have a variety of new and gently-used items.
"My family needed help for a lot of years, so now I can give back to those who gave to me," Todd said.
As well as receiving free winter clothes, area residents of both locations are encouraged to donate any new or gently-used adult and children's coats, hats, gloves, scarves and more.
"I'm looking forward to getting the items people need into the hands of the people who need them," volunteer John Klever said. "There are many times where people have come up to me at these events and said if they had to buy these at the store, there's no way they could've afforded them."
Donations for the Big Rapids giveaway will run through Oct. 9 and can either be dropped off at the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church at 304 Elm St., Big Rapids, or at the Department of Human Services office at 800 Water Tower Rd., Big Rapids.
Donations for the Reed City giveaway will run through Oct. 23 and can be dropped off at the Lincoln St. entrance at First United Methodist Church of Reed City at 503 S. Chestnut St., Reed City, or at local participating churches.
Though donations for the Reed City giveaway end on Oct. 23, Todd said they will still be accepted after the deadline, as the United Methodist Church of Reed City offers winter clothing giveaways throughout the season from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.
For questions about the Reed City giveaway, contact Todd at (231) 250-2790, Jessica at (231) 286-7692 or Klever at (231) 796-4312.
For questions about the Big Rapids giveaway, contact Klever at (231) 796-4312.
The Winter Clothing Giveaways will take place at:
• First United Methodist Church: A free community meal is provided at 5:30 p.m. and the drive is from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, at 304 Elm St., Big Rapids; and
• Evart Elementary, 1 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, at 515 N. Cedar St.
