Warmth in the Midst of Winter: Join Us Again for the Winter Coat Project 2024

Warmth in the Midst of Winter: Join Us Again for the Winter Coat Project 2024

As the winter winds return to Belfast, so too does the biting cold, the endless rain, and the kind of chill that seeps into your bones. For many in our community, this season can be more than a simple inconvenience; it can be a harsh reminder of unmet needs and the daily struggle to stay warm. But in these moments, something as simple as a warm coat can be a beacon of hope—a shield against the elements and a reminder that no one is alone.

This year, we’re thrilled to launch the Winter Coat Project once again. This initiative, in partnership with ROC Northern Ireland, is about more than just distributing coats. It’s about extending compassion, sharing warmth, and creating a community that supports one another through challenging times. At St Paul’s & St Barnabas, we’re committed to ensuring that every person has access to the basics needed for a safe and warm winter, and we invite you to join us in this meaningful cause.

A Community Effort to Keep Belfast Warm

The Winter Coat Project is not just a church initiative; it’s a community-wide collaboration that unites us all in a common mission. Last year, we witnessed the incredible impact of this project, from heartwarming conversations to eager queues of people looking for a little extra warmth. We also saw the lengths people went to in order to secure coats, sometimes leading to memorable moments that underscored just how essential this project truly is. This year, with lessons learned, we’re ready to make the 2024 Winter Coat Project even more effective, and your support is essential to making that happen.

How You Can Be Part of This Mission

Here’s how you can contribute to the Winter Coat Project and help make a difference:

• Donate Coats: If you have winter coats, hats, scarves, or gloves in good condition, please consider donating them. Each item helps someone stay warm and feel cared for.
• Spread the Word: The more people know about this project, the greater our reach and impact. Share this initiative with friends, family, and social media networks, so those who need these resources—and those who wish to help—can get involved.
• Volunteer Your Time: Volunteers are the backbone of this project. Whether it’s sorting donations, assisting guests, or simply offering a warm smile, your presence can make all the difference.
• Provide Hospitality: If you’d like to contribute in a different way, consider providing refreshments for our volunteers and guests. A cup of tea or coffee can go a long way in warming not just hands but hearts.
• Donate Supplies: We’re also in need of plastic bags, reusable bags, coat rails, hangers, and mirrors to help organize and distribute the coats effectively.

What to Expect This Year

This year’s collection day will be on Wednesday, 20th November, from 2 pm to 7 pm, at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, 210 York Street, Belfast. Whether you’re in need of a coat or simply want to lend a hand, we welcome you to join us. With ROC Northern Ireland and our committed volunteers, we’re dedicated to making this year’s event as smooth and impactful as possible.

Your Continued Support Matters

As we prepare for this year’s event, we ask for your prayers, your support, and your willingness to stand with us in service to those in need. Every act of kindness, every coat donated, and every smile shared helps transform lives in our community. Together, let’s make sure no one in Belfast faces winter alone or unprepared.

Thank you for being a vital part of our compassionate community. For further information on how to get involved or support this project, please reach out to ROC Northern Ireland, or contact our church office at office@spbbelfast.org. Let’s come together to bring warmth, comfort, and hope to those who need it most this winter.