Family Focus

Two Charlotte churches united to collect coats for kids in need

On Sunday, Nov. 29 from 12:30 to 2 p.m., the members of First Presbyterian Church and First United Presbyterian Church will have a drive-up collection for Steve’s Coats for Kids.

“We serve the people that Christ would have served and this is a way for us to do that,” said Rev. Pen Perry of First Presbyterian Church.

WSOC-TV’s Steve’s Coats for Kids campaign was introduced in 2005. All coat donations are distributed through Crisis Assistance Ministry, an independent nonprofit agency focused on preventing homelessness and preserving dignity for Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s working poor.

When the spread of the coronavirus forced the cancellation of church services across the area, First Presbyterian Church and First United Presbyterian Church used the situation to come together.

On Sunday, congregations from both churches and the public are being encouraged to drive up to the First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Trade St., to donate new and gently used coats to Steve’s Coats for Kids.

“Steve’s Coats for Kids is important for our community because it gets some of our members, some of our community, noticing and taking care of the others,” Perry said. “In that way, we are connected.”

Steve’s Coats for Kids has collected over 200,000 coats, and every donated coat spends less than 48 hours in the Crisis Assistance Ministry Free Store before benefiting someone in need.

There are more than 70 Steve’s Coats for Kids donation locations across the Carolinas, including Showmars, Ashley HomeStore, E.R. Plumbing Services, Crisis Assistance Ministry and all Charlotte fire stations.

CLICK HERE TO FIND A STEVE’S COATS DONATION LOCATION NEAR YOU.

You can find out more information and discover how you can get involved at www.StevesCoatsForKids.com.

If you have an inspiring story, please contact Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte Public Affairs Manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.