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Drive offers warmth to the needy
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Promoters of the Warm and Cuddly Drive at First Free Will Baptist Church in Austintown hold coats donated to the project. From left are: Harold Davis, deacon; Mary Hutchison, coordinator; Aaron Justice, youth minister; and Jack Hutchison, board member.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
AUSTINTOWN
Mary Hutchison sees the Warm and Cuddly Drive as having a twofold benefit. It helps those in need and those who give.
For those in need from infants to adults, it’s about receiving coats, gloves, sweaters, scarves, boots, blankets and afghans to ward off winter’s chill.
For those who give, it’s about cleaning out closets of unneeded items and feeling good about the donation.
Hutchison is coordinator of Warm and Cuddly Drive of First Free Will Baptist Church, 5530 New Road. The project was initiated three years ago by Patricia Pittman, who died recently. “It was her baby,” Hutchison said of Pittman. “This was near and dear to her heart.”
Hutchison, a member since 1966 and 40-year Sunday school teacher, said knowing how much it meant to Pittman, she couldn’t let Warm and Cuddly go cold. Pittman was organist and choir director.
The project began about three weeks ago. A bin in the church lobby holds all the donations, which are earmarked for the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley. The church treasurer, Elaine Toney, crocheted 32 hats for the project. (To donate and for pickup, call 330-792-2201.)
The Rev. David Sherrard, executive director of the Rescue Mission, said the donation of winter wear will be welcomed warmly. “What’s given to us, we give to people,” he said.
The director said he sees the rescue mission as the “pass-through” for such donations from a church, for example, to those in need. In cold weather, the coats are greatly needed, he said.
So far, Hutchison has about 100 gently worn coats and said the collection should reach 200. Harold Davis, a deacon, said, “Church members spread the word about the project.” Hutchison also distributed fliers.
Hutchison also said she knows how important such donations are. “I was one of 12 children. I’ve been on the receiving end,” she said. “The Lord has blessed us,” she said, noting that now she can help others.
The church, founded in 1965, originally was located on the corner of state Route 46 and Kirk Road. In 1995, the church bought five acres on New Road, and a new church was built. Pastor Tom Dooley leads a membership of about 175.
The church has a history of helping its members and the community. Among the membership, programs are in place to help out when someone is sick or hospitalized.
The church also reaches out to community residents in need with food vouchers. A holiday covered-dish dinner is planned at 5 p.m. Dec. 19 with food, fun and fellowship. Anyone who wishes may attend.