A generous donation of coats for the needy
The First Baptist Church of Jonesboro is making a difference in the lives of many people this Christmas by giving away free coats to those who need them. The church has collected over 500 coats from its members and the community, and is distributing them through its annual Coats for Christmas program.
The program, which started in 2010, aims to provide warmth and comfort to the less fortunate during the cold winter months. The church accepts donations of new or gently used coats of all sizes and colors, and sorts them according to gender and age. The coats are then displayed on racks in the church’s fellowship hall, where anyone can come and pick one for themselves or their family members.
The church also provides hot chocolate, cookies, and gospel tracts to the visitors, and invites them to join the worship service if they wish. The pastor, Rev. John Smith, said that the program is a way of showing God’s love and grace to the people in need.
“We want to share the message of hope and salvation that we have in Jesus Christ, and also to meet the physical needs of our neighbors,” he said. “We believe that every person is created in the image of God, and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We hope that by giving them a coat, we can also warm their hearts and souls.”
A positive impact on the community
The Coats for Christmas program has received positive feedback from both the recipients and the donors. Many people have expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the church’s generosity and kindness. Some have even shared their stories of how the coat has made a difference in their lives.
One of the recipients, Mary Jones, said that she was homeless and living in a shelter with her two children. She said that she had lost her job and her apartment due to the pandemic, and had no money to buy winter clothes for herself or her kids. She said that she heard about the Coats for Christmas program from a friend, and decided to check it out.
“I was amazed by how many coats they had, and how nice they were. They had all kinds of styles and colors, and they looked brand new. I was able to find a coat for myself and for each of my kids. They were so happy and excited to wear them. They said they felt like they were getting a Christmas present,” she said.
She said that the coat not only kept her and her children warm, but also gave them a sense of dignity and hope.
“It made me feel like someone cared about me and my situation. It made me feel like I was not alone. It gave me a boost of confidence and motivation to keep going and to look for a job. It also made me curious about the church and what they believe. I decided to stay for the service, and I was touched by the message and the music. I felt God’s presence and peace in that place. I plan to come back and learn more about the faith,” she said.
Another recipient, James Brown, said that he was a veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. He said that he had isolated himself from his family and friends, and had lost his sense of purpose and direction. He said that he stumbled upon the Coats for Christmas program by chance, and was surprised by the warm welcome he received from the church members.
“They greeted me with a smile and a handshake, and offered me a coat and a cup of hot chocolate. They did not judge me or look down on me. They treated me like a human being. They listened to my story and offered me words of encouragement and prayer. They invited me to join their veterans’ ministry, where they have other veterans who understand what I’m going through. They also invited me to join their Bible study and their discipleship program, where they help me grow in my relationship with God,” he said.
He said that the coat was more than just a piece of clothing, but a symbol of hope and healing.
“It reminded me that I have value and worth, and that I have a future and a destiny. It reminded me that I have a family and a community that cares about me and supports me. It reminded me that I have a God who loves me and has a plan for me. It changed my perspective and my attitude. It gave me a reason to live and to serve,” he said.
A call for more donations and volunteers
The Coats for Christmas program runs until December 31, and the church is still accepting donations of coats and other winter accessories, such as hats, gloves, scarves, and socks. The church is also looking for more volunteers to help with the sorting, displaying, and distributing of the coats, as well as with the hospitality and outreach aspects of the program.
The church’s coordinator of the program, Sarah Johnson, said that the program is a great opportunity for people to get involved and to make a difference in the community.
“We are always amazed by the generosity and the compassion of our donors and volunteers. They are the ones who make this program possible and successful. They are the ones who show the love of Christ in a tangible and practical way. They are the ones who bring joy and hope to the people who receive the coats,” she said.
She said that anyone who is interested in donating or volunteering can contact the church office or visit the church’s website for more information.
“We welcome anyone who wants to join us in this ministry. We believe that everyone has something to offer and something to gain from this experience. We believe that together, we can make a positive impact on our community and on our world,” she said.
