MANSFIELD — A 16-year winter tradition in Mansfield has long been about more than coats — it’s about community.
The Noon Optimist Club of Mansfield gathered last week for a luncheon at Dan Lew Exchange, celebrating its annual Coats for Kids Drive.
A total of 563 items were donated. Altrusa International of Mansfield donated 292, Ashley Home Store contributed 225 and club members added 146.
Despite this year’s strong turnout, organizers say demand for winter gear remains high. Although it’s called the Coats for Kids Drive, organizers welcome any winter items for all ages.
That’s why community members are invited to participate on Nov. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donors can drop off clean, gently used items at Grace Episcopal Church located at 41 Bowman St., using the Third Street entrance, where volunteers will be on-site to help unload vehicles.
Daniel Orr of Grace Episcopal Church said the need has only grown over the years.
“When donations come in, they almost immediately go out,” he said.
That reality inspired organizers to open the event to the public for the first time this year.
Expanding warmth and community
The Rev. Christopher D. Hofer with Grace Episcopal Church said the potential halt of SNAP benefits on Nov. 1 makes these donations more important than ever, with the winter months ahead.
“Demands on the food pantry are going to be astronomical and people are going to have to make choices whether or not to put food on the table or coats on their bodies,” he said. “You all are helping with that and I really appreciate it.”
In addition to the winter clothing drive, Grace Episcopal Church also operates the Grace Pantry, which distributes food on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 4 to 6 p.m., and every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Linda Bender, Coats for Kids program coordinator for Altrusa International of Mansfield and a lifelong member of Grace Episcopal Church, said she has witnessed firsthand how much recipients appreciate both the donations and the generosity behind them.
A growing partnership
Since 2009, the Noon Optimist Club of Mansfield has partnered with Grace Episcopal Church for the annual Coats for Kids Drive. The partnership began with a shared mission: to bring warmth and hope to local families in need.
The Optimist Club’s mission states: “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.”
Dena Kmetz, a member of the Noon Optimist Club, said the group proudly carries the nickname “Friend of Youth.”
Kmetz said members bring their donations to the luncheon each year before transporting them to Grace Episcopal Church’s Bowman Street site for distribution.
For the past 16 years, Tom Conn of the Noon Optimist Club has led the Coats for Kids Drive. Eight years ago, he helped form a partnership with Ashley Home Store, and five years ago, Altrusa International of Mansfield joined the effort.
The initiative now reaches beyond children, collecting coats for the entire family — including adult coats, scarves, hats, gloves, blankets, hoodies and other warm winter essentials.
“This has been several years now that we have been involved,” Cindy Titus, with Ashley Home Store, said. “We love helping the community, especially veterans and children, so this goes right along with our mission.”
Both the Noon Optimist Club of Mansfield and Altrusa International of Mansfield are welcoming new members. Those interested can learn more or inquire about membership through either club’s website.
(More photos from the Coats for Kids Drive drop off and Noon Optimist Club meeting. Credit: Hannah Martin)
