 Christmas
Coats Take the Chill Out of Life in Pennsylvania
Put on your coat! It’s a phrase heard in millions of homes all winter long. But many low
income parents in America are heartbroken that they can’t say it. They just can’t afford
winter coats for their children. So their kids have no choice but to endure harsh winter temperatures
without warm coats. In Pennsylvania the winter chill can be extreme but partners like you stepped
in last year to take the chill out of life for little ones needing help! You can do the same this
year by choosing Gift #5 in our Holiday Gift Catalog! See how our partners helped Pennsylvania
children enjoy winter last year…
It had been a traumatic year for Brenda’s family. Her husband had been sent to prison for
several years, leaving her to support three growing teens on a fixed income of $481 a month. She
also suffered with severe back problems. Brenda feared winter’s bitter approach because
she knew her two daughters had outgrown their coats. There was no extra money in the family’s
budget for new ones.
One of our community partners in Philadelphia, Beloved St. John CDC, found out about Brenda’s
need. Mother and daughters were invited to a coat shopping day with other families in similar
situations! Soon after, we received this heartfelt note from Brenda:
Dear Beloved Family,
It’s hard trying to pay bills and getting things that they [her children] need. Sometime
you have to make a choice of bills or kids; it’s hard. I have never seen my girls smile
the way they did.
God Bless,
Brenda & Family
Led by Stephanie DaCosta, our outreach center in Philadelphia had a hand in gifting 4,000 children
and their families with food, warm clothes and other gifts during the Holidays’ last year!
Among those helped were Grandma Gladys and her five grandsons.
Gladys was providing a safe home for her five grandsons, ages 6-14. But it is hard to keep them
fed and clothed on her limited income. This caring grandmother knew that if her grandsons weren’t
properly dressed for the cold, there would be unnecessary doctor’s bills. She felt desperate
and alone.
Just as it was getting cold, Operation Blessing invited the family shopping! Gladys cried tears
of joy and relief. The boys picked out warm coats, hats, scarves, gloves, even boots! Everyone
got just what they needed!
Warm Clothes for Needy Children
This holiday season, your gift of $25 can make sure an at-risk boy or girl in America is prepared
for the winter.
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