Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Bay is continuing a 22-year tradition of 'Neighbours Helping Neighbours Stay Warm this Winter' through Operation Warmth.
Pastor Jerry Slote and his team of volunteers provide free winter coats, boots and accessories to people who might otherwise have to struggle through the harsh cold of winter without adequate clothing. Over 2,000 coats get distributed annually.
"It started out as just a free winter coat giveaway. It now includes blankets, sheets, pillows, boots, mitts, hats, anything that will help keep your neighbour warm," said Slote.
People drop in, find what they can use, bag it up and take it all home.
"We're seeing everyone from infants to seniors. There are a lot of families coming in here. Everything costs more, so this helps them stretch the budget. They can come and get what they need, and hopefully, it helps them out in other areas."
The project receives the odd cash donation which is put to good use.
"Once in a while we get people that wear extremely large sizes and sometimes we'll go out and buy them a coat if we have the funds to do that, but we don't usually have a lot of funds to work with, it's usually all material donations."
On this day, Mani has dropped by to find a winter coat for herself.
"Having Operation Warmth is really helpful. I don't have too much stuff so this is a really good opportunity for me get something for the winter season. It is good for me because I have lots of choices. I can get gloves, a winter coat, boots whatever. I do not have the money to spend on expensive clothes in the stores."
A team of about 25 volunteers plays a big role, sorting through all the donations.
"There's two shifts. We're open 9-12 Monday to Saturday and 6:30 to 8:00 Monday to Thursday evenings. So it involves a lot of people," said Sloat.
Marilyn Duquette has been volunteering for 19 years.
"I feel there's a really big need in the community. Clothing is so expensive, and it's really good to have things passed on. I know years ago when we all had young kids we basically passed clothes from one nephew or niece to the other. Also, it's good for the environment because it's keeping things from going into the landfill," said Duquette.
"We get a lot of clothing other than coats and snowsuits. We get sweaters, warm socks, people are always looking for socks, and mitts, hats, and scarves too. The main thing is that it's helping people who are in need. Everyone who comes here is very appreciative and very happy. The kids seem to get excited when they leave with something."
Operation Warmth couldn't do what it does, without community support.
"It's amazing that after 22 years we still have so many donations, and we'll have them all out by the time we're done. Everyone has been so generous," said Slote.
Clothing must be in good condition, clean, without any stains, rips or holes, missing buttons or broken zippers.
"You bring them in, and we'll find them a home," said Slote
Donations can be dropped off at the church anytime Operation Warmth is open to the public. Otherwise, a drop-off box is located in front of the church at the corner of Ferguson Street and Second Avenue, where it will remain until around the third week of November. Donations need to be placed in plastic bags as the box is not waterproof. The bags are recycled for people to carry home their items.
