URGENT NEED for New & Gently Used Coats and Boots!
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, “I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
In Matthew 25, Jesus paints a picture of what it looks like serve those in need by placing himself in the position of the naked, hungry, thirsty, immigrant. It’s a fascinating passage where God himself identifies with those in physical need, uplifting their standing in the Kingdom of God. In so doing, Jesus also demonstrates how central responding to these physical needs is to living out the Gospel and the coming of the Kingdom of God.
We have received more than 250 individual request for a winter coat and a pair of boots in the past few weeks. This number represents neighbors that are English Language Students and the families involved in our after-school programing. Most are experiencing their first winter in Maine.
The majority are still waiting to be given authorization to work legally in the United States, which means that they are legally residing in the US but cannot legally obtain income - even those with strong work histories and high levels of education.
This number is huge and to be honest - may seem out of reach. But God has proved time and again how much He loves this community and the necessary role that each of us play in welcoming and loving them - just as He does.
We are accepting NEW and GENTLY USED COATS & BOOTS through December 1st. We define “gently used” as something that you would continue to wear or also accept as a gift. ALL SIZES are needed in both boys/mens and girls/womens sizes, from ages 4 to adult.
Donations can be dropped off any weekday at The Root Cellar in Lewiston.
