Omagh church giving away hundreds of winter coats

MEMBERS of an Omagh church who say ‘nobody should be cold this winter’ have received hundreds of donations to their appeal for unused coats.

The St Columba’s Church initiative comes after a report by ‘Christians Against Poverty NI’ highlighted that 65 per-cent of their clients could not afford weather appropriate clothing for themselves or their family.

As winter approaches, the local Church of Ireland congregation made an appeal for the public to donate their unused coats for those who need them.

Rev Graham Hare said it was ‘heartening’ to see the hundreds of donations given already.

He said, “The Winter Coat Giveaway is about providing practical support in a dignified and respectful way.

“If anyone in your school community would benefit from receiving a coat then we hope they will call into our pop-up coat shop, select the best coat for them and take it home, free of charge.”

The clergyman added, “No questions will be asked and nothing will be expected in return.”

To date, the church has received ‘hundreds’ of coats, donated by various local organisations and schools.

Mr Hare said, “It has been so heartening to see the community spirit which this project has released, and huge thanks is due to the many people who have made this vision a reality.

“People from all across Omagh and beyond have donated their coats in the hope that someone else who needs it can benefit from it.”

l For those in need of coats this year can attend the churches’ pop-up giveaway from 3pm to 8pm this Thursday and Friday, and again between 9am and 4pm on Saturday.