Having a warm coat to wear in the winter is something many of us may take for granted. For others, however, it's a necessity beyond their financial reach. Salem United Methodist Church (UMC) is working to help those in need. The church, located at 140 N. Penn St., Manheim, will hold a coat giveaway on Thursday, Nov. 4, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

"We'll have free coats for infants to toddlers, children and adults," said office manager Karen Beck. The giveaway will also feature free shoes in all styles. Hats and scarves made by church members will also be available for free.

The church has been holding the giveaway for several years. Coats are collected by Salem Family Ministry, starting in August. A few years ago, one of the adult Sunday school classes started collecting shoes to add to the giveaway.

Donations come from church and community members. All of the items are gently used and still have a lot of life in them, Beck noted.

Holding the giveaway is part of the church's focus on community outreach and supporting the Manheim community, Beck said.

"This is open to anybody," she stated. "You don't have to demonstrate need. Anybody can come in and get a coat or pick up some shoes."

Masks are required to be worn in the building.

Salem UMC holds a weekly worship service at 9 a.m. Services are held in person and are also livestreamed on the church's website, https://salemmanheim.org, and through the church's Facebook page. Sunday school classes are held for people of all ages beginning at 10 a.m. For more information about the church or the giveaway, call the church office at 717-665-2331.