CrossNet Coat Giveaway Planned
Lisa Kerstetter, director of marketing and events with CrossNet Ministries of New Holland, is looking forward to the annual coat giveaway, which will be held on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 11. "(I love it) when (a child) can pick a new coat," said Kerstetter. "It gives them that feeling that they got to pick out a brand-new coat that's theirs. It gives them that pride and excitement."
Last year, CrossNet gave away nearly 300 coats. This year, the coat giveaway will take place at the CrossNet Youth Center, 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland, on Oct. 11 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 affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Proof of residency, such as a utility bill, will be required. Anyone age 3 and up who enters the building is required to wear a mask.
To gather the necessary items to keep New Holland area children warm this winter, CrossNet will accept coats, hats, scarves, and gloves, along with toiletries, at its offices at 123 W. Franklin St., New Holland, through Thursday, Oct. 7. 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 stated that there is a special need 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, and students will be able to choose hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, toiletries, and shoes, and each will receive a free snack. Shoes and boots will mostly be provided by Anchored Ministries; however, if area residents wish to donate gently used winter boots, CrossNet will be happy to accept donations.
On Aug. 10, CrossNet gave away nearly 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.
Leave a Review