Collecting New Coats and Boots for Homeless

Every year, my church (Crossroads United Methodist) collects NEW coats, boots, and socks for homeless men (some women) in downtown DC. They deliver them once a year around the holidays. They already made their delivery this year (the woman in charge of it told our congregation that the recipients wanted to thank everyone who donated and appreciated it so much that someone would think of them all the way from Ashburn this time of year); however, I got to thinking that with all the great sales going on at the stores, people might be willing to buy the coats, boots, and socks now since there are such good prices. We need mostly Large and Extra Large, but other sizes could be used, as well.

If anyone would like to partcipate, I would be happy to store the coats, etc. at my house until the next delivery takes place. Please PM me if you are interested.

Thanks!

 

Why do they have to be new, seems to me the homeless would be happy with used...

 

I am checking with a contact in the ministry to see if they would take good condition used coats. In the past, I think that they have preferred new, but if something is in really good condition, I think they might take it.

It is important to keep in mind that these people do not get any nice things in their life. In my mind, it is not just about providing a coat or boots, but also about someone else caring enough to provide something more than something really junky with holes. It does give them a lift, and they appreciate it so much.

I'll post as soon as I find out. Thanks for the inquiry.

 

I hope you did not take my message to mean I wanted to give away junky items. I just have some used things that I could just as easily donate to your charity as the one by the firehouse.

thanks for checking

 

I'm so sorry...I didn't mean to insinuate that you had junky things. It's just that I have done this kind of thing (with clothing, furniture, etc.) many times before for various causes, and you would be shocked at what some people donate, even when you say you don't want anything broken, stained or with holes. I know it might sound ironic that you don't want junky things for someone that's homeless, but I like to provide as nice as things as possible because I would want someone to do the same for me if the situation were reversed.

I'll get back to you as soon as I hear. I was just trying to get a jump start on my own in order to help this ministry with their collection for next year (I am not actually a part of the ministry team that does this...just trying to help out in my own way). I know there is such a huge need...they run out of coats and boots every year. There are never enough to go around.