Warm winter items, including coats, hats and gloves, will be given out at IMPACT Church, 101 E. First Ave., Parkesburg, on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. Anyone in the community is invited to visit the church that day to pick up winterwear free of charge.

Men's, women's and children's coats will be available in various sizes and styles. "When people arrive, we will give them a shopping list, and they can check off what they are interested in," explained office manager Lisa Blank. "We will direct them to the area that has what they are looking for."

Coats will be sorted by sizes for adults and children and displayed on racks in the church's worship center. "We take all of the chairs out," noted Blank. "It's a nice big room, and we can spread out and have plenty of things displayed so they are easy to find."

Those who attend the giveaway do not have to provide proof of residency or income, and they will be allotted one coat per person.

Leftover items will be distributed in the community. "Anything that is extra will be donated to some of the area thrift stores or other missions. City Gate in Coatesville will take the men's coats," Blank noted. "We will keep a small number of things for a week or two in case people missed (the giveaway)."

The annual distribution, sponsored by Parkesburg Churches Community Outreach (PCCO), has been held at IMPACT Church for at least 15 years.

"We are working with PCCO. Several of the churches are collecting coats and there a few businesses collecting coats," Blank stated. "People can drop off coats at the church through Sunday, Oct. 12, to give us time to organize. There is a box on the front porch or, when the building is open, they can bring them in the lobby."

She said the effort has grown through the years. In 2020, for example, about 300 coats were given out. "In 2024, we gave away 700 coats and 500 accessories," Blank reported. "It's a huge number and it is a lot of work, but it is so very worth it to know that (the coats) are being used. It has grown, which speaks to the needs of the community as well as the generosity of the community."

"The last few years, we got a lot of high-quality donations, both new and used," she added. "It is really encouraging to see the community is behind it."

Blank said the giveaway is ideal for families with children, especially since children can outgrow their clothing or they often misplace their gloves or mittens. "You need a pink coat; we probably have a pink coat. There are choices and options," said Blank. "People can bring their children to try things on, or they may shop without their kids."

Those who receive items will not be asked to make a donation. "We don't collect any money. There is no obligation to pay for what they are getting," Blank added. "They are invited to Sunday gatherings, but it is not a requirement to take a coat, and they don't have to have an alliance with a church or religious affiliation. It's open to all who need a coat."

Visitors will also be provided information about other charitable resources, such as The Parkesburg POINT Youth Center and Factory Ministries.

For more information about the coat drive, contact IMPACT Church at office@impactpa.church or 610-857-3887.

Sunday gatherings at the church are held at 9 and 10:30 a.m. More information about the church is available at http://www.impactpa.church and http://www.facebook.com/impactchurchparkesburg.