Surrounded by mounds of coats, some in bags and some on racks, Destiny Ripka marvels at the generosity of strangers in Rock County.
She volunteers for SHARE — Sharing Hearts Are Reaching Everyone — the local organization that helps families stretch their resources through the holidays.
Part of that effort includes the One Warm Coat project, which has been collecting donated coats over the past several weeks to distribute to families who need them.
Hundreds of winter coats and snowpants have been accumulating in the ATLAS for Life office on the second floor of the Cragoe Building downtown Luverne.
Luverne Elementary School is another drop-off location for One Warm Coat, and staff there delivered those donations Friday.
“I have no idea how many are here,” Ripka said looking around the room.
Volunteer James Chanthalangsy helped her sort the apparel by size Friday afternoon. Many of them were brand new with tags still on them.
On Saturday SHARE and One Warm Coat groups distributed coats and snowpants to families and individuals, and another distribution is set for 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, also in the Atlas office.
Lonna Heideman, Rock County Atlas director, said she’s enjoyed watching the generosity of the community as donors come in with coats.
“It’s just been amazing,” she said. “I can’t believe it.”
Ripka said she accepts coat donations year-round, and if people miss the distribution and still need a coat, it’s OK to stop in and get one.
Call Ripka at 507-220-0030, the ATLAS office at 507-449-5777 or Lisa Dinger at school, 507-283-4497.