There is a lot of suffering in the world right now, and a great deal of struggle in the days after Hurricane Helene. It’s going to take a lot of time to restore everyone, and we need to help in the way we are each called. However, we cannot forsake our own homes, our own little towns and cities and those who struggle there.
We here at 2 Shirts have been planning a winter coat and clothing drive for a while now. We have delayed it because of the hurricane relief effort. But, dear neighbors, the cold weather is coming quickly.
Locally, we have several children, families, and unsheltered people in need of warm coats, hats, gloves, and other items. We are calling our event “Warm Coats Warm Souls.” Physical warmth and relief from the harsh weather goes a long way to alleviating already tough circumstances.
We will begin our collection very soon and I hope that you will be able to help. We will share details on our website and Facebook when they are finalized. If you’d like to be a donation drop-off location, please let us know.
We will work with a few local groups to distribute the items at the end of October and the beginning of November. Once our local needs are met, we will take the remaining items to the area devastated by Helene.
Before we release all the specifics, there are a couple of things you can do. First, reflect upon James 2:15-16 and our guiding verse, Luke 3:11, and pray to prepare your heart:
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:15-16 NIV
John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:11 NIV
The second thing is, if you are called to help and you don’t want to wait, or if you don’t have any used coats and clothes to give, please consider checking out the registry we have set up through Walmart. You can purchase items online and they will be sent to us directly. Of course, you can always make a financial contribution…helping people does cost money.
Another thought for you…it may seem helpful and loving to send clothing and blankets to a disaster site to help people, but it is not always the best way to provide aid. There is usually no one at the scene who has the time to inspect the items and sort them by gender, size, and style, and then set up a means to distribute them. And some groups will only take new, packaged items.
Clothing sent to these areas is usually pushed aside to make room for items such as food, water, batteries, medicines, and other essentials. The clothing gets moved around and eventually ends up lost, damaged or destroyed by mold and mildew. (Added 10/11/24…check this out)
If a group has specifically asked for help with clothing or blankets, get it to them! They are most likely prepared to handle it.
If you’re near Licolnton and you have clothing you’d like to donate and aren’t sure where to send it, contact us. In most cases we can pick it up, if we can’t, we’ll arrange a drop-off location.
We inspect and sort all donated clothing and even launder it when necessary. We will use it first to meet local needs and then we will work with churches and other charities in the areas devastated by Hurricane Helene so it can get to whoever needs it.
This time of year, our needs are both new and gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, flannels, sweatshirts, jeans, socks, boots, hand warmers and other cold-weather items. Backpacks and gallon Ziploc bags are also helpful.
Well, good people, go forth in peace to love and serve the Lord and your neighbors, and stay tuned for updates on our coat and clothing collection.
Email your prayer requests to us at TellUs@2shirts.org, we will pray for you.