Lewis explained that 11 years ago he and his wife, Shelley, were sorting through their coat closet and realized that they had quite a few coats that they were not wearing. They decided to partner with the Springfield Salvation Army on a coat drive.
In previous years, Lewis said Jackson Lytle & Lewis Funeral Home collected the coats through their Warm Coats - Warm Hearts Coat Drive and gave them to the Springfield Salvation Army to distribute.
“The Salvation Army is not going to distribute them this year because of COVID-19, so we’re finding other outlets," Lewis said.
He added that none of the organizations they have contacted are capable of taking all of the coats, so they are distributing them to multiple places like Rocking Horse Community Health Center, Ark Children’s' Rescue Center and the local school districts.
Lewis said they have collected 150 coats and are accepting donations until Nov. 15.
Used coats are acceptable as long as they are in good condition with working fasteners and no rips, Lewis said. Other types of outerwear like sweaters, jackets, sweatshirts, hats and gloves will be accepted.
“The need never goes away," Lewis said.
He explained that the need this year is “even larger” due to the pandemic and many families are struggling to make ends meet because they can not work at this time.
“There’s just a lot of uncertainty and a lot of need," Lewis said. "This is our 11th year of trying to do our part to help alleviate and address that problem.”
The Warm Coats - Warm Hearts Coat Drive is accepting coats 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the back door of Jackson Lytle & Lewis Funeral Home, located at 2425 N. Limestone St. Lewis said if residents do not want to come inside to drop off coats, they can leave them by the back door.
He added that they appreciate the community’s support because “it’s really the community that is making it happen.”
For more information, call Jackson Lytle & Lewis Funeral Home at 937-399-2811.
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