CrossNet Schedules Columbus Day Coat Giveaway

Lisa Kerstetter, director of marketing and events with CrossNet Ministries of New Holland, has a passion for providing for children in need. "It's on my heart for kids to have a nice coat to keep them warm and that they are not afraid to wear," said Kerstetter, adding that having a new coat can inspire feelings of pride, excitement, and joy, which in turn can help build self-esteem. "Children of poverty don't always have nice coats, and they feel different (from their peers)," Kerstetter explained.

Last year, CrossNet gave away more than 200 coats during its annual Coat Giveaway event, which takes place at the CrossNet Youth Center, 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland. This year's giveaway will be held on Monday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The giveaway serves infants through seniors in high school within the ELANCO School District whose families participate in free and reduced-cost lunch programs or have been financially affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Proof of residency, such as a utility bill, will be required.

To gather the necessary items to keep New Holland-area children warm this winter, CrossNet will accept coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. Toiletries will also be collected at CrossNet's offices at 123 W. Franklin St., New Holland, through Thursday, Oct. 6. Donors who bring a brand-new coat to contribute to the drive will be entered to win a $50 gift card. The gift card drawing will be held following the end of the drive.

Kerstetter noted that there are two special needs that stand out this year. First, she would like to be able to offer more boots to children. "Families come in looking for winter boots," said Kerstetter, who said both new and gently used boots are being accepted. "We live in a rural area, and there are kids who live on farms, who really need boots," she said.

A second need is for coats for boys and girls in third through sixth grades. Students in that age group generally wear youth sizes 10 through 16. Financial donations for the giveaway will also be accepted.

As in the past, CrossNet will partner with the Anchored Ministries Mobile Clothing Closet of Elverson. A free snack will be provided.

Toiletries that Kerstetter especially needs for the giveaway include toothbrushes and toothpaste. "I try to give them whenever I have an outreach event," she said.

On Aug. 9, CrossNet gave away more than 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to ELANCO students.

Readers with questions may contact the office at lisa@elancocross.org or call 717-355-2454. More information about the organization may be found at http://www.elancocross.org.