‘Coats for Kids Drive’ accepts donations from the public for the first time

MANSFIELD — Benjamin Campbell saw a need and wanted to make a difference.

A seventh-grader at Lexington Junior High, Campbell heard about the “Coats for Kids Drive” on Sunday at Grace Episcopal Church, 41 Bowman St.

The 12-year-old decided to get involved. Assisted by his mom, Campbell traveled around his neighborhood, collecting coats and other clothing items.

The duo delivered them early Sunday afternoon during the drive-up collection effort, hosted by the Noon Optimist Club of Mansfield, Altrusa International of Mansfield and Ashley Home Store.

“I just want to help people in need. It’s a good cause,” Campbell said.

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.

For the past 16 years, Tom Conn of the Noon Optimist Club has led the drive. Eight years ago, he helped form a partnership with Ashley Home Store, and five years ago, Altrusa International of Mansfield joined the effort.

This year marks the first time the drive has been opened for public participation.

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.

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.

(Below are photos from the Coats for Kids Drive collection on Sunday at Grace Episcopal Church, 41 Bowman St. The story continues below the photos.)

Community members were invited to participate on from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donors could drop off new or clean, gently used items at the church, using the Third Street entrance. Volunteers helped unload vehicles.

Dena Kmetz, a member of the Noon Optimist Club, was one of the volunteers.

“We are hoping we have some folks come today and drop their stuff off,” she said as the event began under cloudy skies.

“We are accepting clothes for the whole family, encouraging people to bring in what they can, seeing what we can do for families in the community,” Kmetz said.

“There is a tremendous need,” she said.

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 before the drive.