Sharing the warmth: childrens 2 Coats project to provide winter wear for Big Brothers Big Sisters participants
By Jennifer Kneuss
November 14, 2011
286
Summary: The average American has not just one warm winter coat, but several in different styles and colors. A group of children are leading the way to request that those with more than one coat be willing to share with children and adults who have none.
And a little child shall lead them . So stated the prophet in Isaiah 11:6, and those words still ring true in todays world. One little one in particular, seven year old Alex Carona, is just such a child. Alex, who attends the NewPointe Community church at the Canton campus, saw that the childrens program at his church was initiating a 2 Coats campaign, with the goal of providing new and gently worn coats for children and their parents who are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in the area.
Alex, like most elementary age boys, didnt exactly have a steady source of income with which to purchase coats, but he saw an opportunity. For quite some time, the boy had been collecting his nickels and dimes in an effort to save money for a playground project for the kids at his church. Alex had saved up $101.10 for his dream playground project, but when he heard about children in his community who had no warm winter coats, his dream changed. He told his parents that he wished to take his savings to the Old Navy clothing store and instead purchase coats for kids.
So Alex took his $101.01 and went up to the Old Navy register with his coats, and he started chatting with the saleslady, said LeeAnn Miller, a coats project volunteer, as she recounted the story to the Dover NewPointe church congregation. He told her why he was buying the coats, and she said, you know Alex, we are going to give you a 30% off discount coupon, so you can go ahead and pick out three more coats. Alex bought six coats in all!
Dave DAngelo, who serves as the churchs executive pastor of ministry, continued the story.
Thats what happens when a seven year old shares, he commented. Old Navy ended up spreading the word, and said they wanted to partner and be a part of the 2 Coats campaign. They are helping so kids from Big Brothers Big Sisters throughout our region can be warm this winter. Its unbelievable. Old Navy then said that whatever money we could collect, they would give us that same 30% discount when we go there to purchase coats.
DAngelo, Miller, and Alex will be doing the coat shopping.
On Sunday, Nov. 13, tables at the Dover, Canton, and Millersburg campuses were piled high with coats in all sizes and colors. The 2 Coats program, which is primarily being sponsored by the Velocity childrens program for ages K through 4th grade, is just one of many service projects the church conducts on a regular basis to reach out to their community. Although the children are spearheading the coats effort, anyone who wishes to donate coats or funds to purchase new coats are encouraged to do so by contacting any of the three church campuses: Dover or Millersburg (330-602-5600), Canton (330-493-0369), or at www.newpointe.org.
Sarah Witting, our Velocity director, was just inspired, and knew we could do something about this need. We are talking about a similar subject in Velocity right now, about seeing needs and filling them. In Luke 3:11, the Bible says, If you have two coats, give one to the poor, commented the pastor of ministry. Our original goal was at least 300 coats, but I think we are going to smash that. We have talked to BBBS and they could use way more coats, so thats a good thing. The 2 Coats campaign is accepting donations through Nov. 30.
People who have been touched by Alexs generosity can be a part of this, DAngelo emphasized. We dont want this to be about pressure, but we do want it to be about inspiration. What if all of us were as generous as Alex was? What could happen in our world with something as simple as coats?
