The weather didn’t cooperate, but that didn’t mean there weren’t smiles abundant in Milford on Saturday, September 14th. The River of Life Church hosted their 18th annual Free Coats for Kids Drive in Milford, over at Shephard Park. The origin of the drive began 18 years ago, shortly after the economy crashed, following the 9/11 tragedy.
“We were seeing children walk to school without coats, and just said, no, something has to change,” said Pastor Darrell Van Wagner. “Other community members have joined in over the years, but it all started with our church.”
It has turned into a true event for the kids in the area. There was a face painting booth, free barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers, field games, popcorn, a first aid center, and all the local church members available to join hands in prayer.{{more}}
“This year, we easily collected over 400 coats, maybe even 500,” said Amanda Helmig, Pastor Kevin Helmig’s wife. “It’s not just coats, either. Coats, snow pants, boots, and even some handmade scarves, hats and mittens from local church goers and members of the community.”
The process became pretty clear and simple over the course of nearly two decades. According to Helmig, they start at the beginning of the year, purchasing brand new items when they clearance out at the local stores. “We’ll hold onto them, and then toward the end of the summer, we start to bag and box all of it, setting up sizes and make it easy to set up.”
The children’s groups get heavily involved in being around the kids. Angelina McCabe of New Ipswich was handing out shirts that the young girls’ group made with bleach art, as well as helping run the face painting booth. “It’s just really fun. I get to hand out the shirts that we made, and they all seem really happy today,” she said.
The weather wasn’t as cooperative as it should have been, but according to Van Wagner and Helmig, if there are still children in need, the coats are available, and can be sought out on an individual basis.
“We have a heart for this area,” said Van Wagner. “These kids need the help, so why not give where we can?”
Keeping the kids warm this winter in the Milford area will be all the easier, thanks to the River of Life Church. To keep up with their special events, please visit www.rolnh.com, and take a look at the upcoming events page. With the heart that they have for the community, there is always something heading down the river.
 | Samantha Lockard went to school for journalism at Framingham State University. She currently lives with her fiancé and two dogs at their New Ipswich home. She comes to New Ipswich via Lynn, MA and is a beach lover and Pinterest recipe taster of the highest degrees. Her hobbies include anything to do with Marvel movies and comics, knitting, writing, and playing with the pups. She’s always up for good recommendations on good eats and reads, so if you’ve got one of either, send it her way! |
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