The Coat Tree - a special blessing for the community

Driving down 1st Street you will see coats hanging from a tree in the yard of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. This unique ministry began last year when someone told Virginia Parker that they had seen three men walking to work in below zero weather without coats. Sensing a need in the community Ms. Parker enlisted the help of her sister, Ginger Peters, and they began to visit area thrift stores buying all of the winter coats they could find.

Initially they handed those coats directly to individuals in obvious need, but the project began to expand. They contacted Reverend Peggy Hotchkiss, Pastor at St. Barnabas. The church was already involved in some giving ministries, like Clare’s Cupboard and the Giving Tree. These are run by the St. Clare of Assisi Chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King. Rev. Hotchkiss knew about a coat giveaway program at another church and secured the OK to hang coats from the tree in the church yard.

Shortly after the program began last November Ginger, Virginia and others had purchased all of the coats they could find in local thrift stores. Then the new owners of Serendipity Thrift in Rawlins learned about the new program and donated two large bags of coats. The Coat Tree continued to gain momentum and over 100 people would benefit through the program. So far this year they have given away over 20 coats.

Men’s work coats are the biggest demand, along with hoodies. There are women’s and children’s coats on the tree, and they too are much needed. Also, when placing a coat on the tree, metal hangers work better since they can be twisted around the tree limbs to stay on when the wind blows, and won’t get brittle and break in the colder weather.

Clare’s Cupboard, the Giving Tree and the Coat Tree have items that also include food, gloves, mittens, hats and socks. They are open 24 hours a day. Ms. Parker says “ The outpouring of generosity has been humbling and we are truly blessed by the response.”. Anyone with questions about these programs can contact St. Barnabas Church at 307.329-3060.