Operation Winter Wear upcoming
By VICKIE FEE
Journal Staff Writer
MARQUETTE — A local ministry will help area residents stay warm this winter through its Operation Winter Wear initiative.
Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift in Harvey will distribute new and like-new coats for adults and children in need next week. Distribution will be by appointment only on Wednesday and Thursday, but walk-ins will be welcome next Friday between noon and 3 p.m at the chuch, which is located at 219 Silver Creek Road in Harvey.
Silver Creek Church collects coats throughout the year and keeps them stored in preparation for the yearly event.
Pastor Kevin Taylor said Operation Winter Wear has been going on for 10 years and has grown exponentially.
“The first year we had about 50 jackets and last year we had 500-plus jackets, plus hundreds of pairs of boots,” Taylor said.
When starting the program, Taylor assumed that the majority of the jackets needed would be for kids, saying that he was “amazed by how many adults need winter coats, especially in larger sizes.”
Tough economic times are a common cause for need during winter months, but another aspect is that people move to the area and don’t have appropriate winter wear.
“I suggest if someone needs a coat they should never hesitate to take advantage of this program,” Taylor said. “We encourage people to not make it hard on themselves. It gives us joy to provide for people who need winter wear.”
For more information or to make an appointment, call Silver Creek Church at 906-249-1715.
Vickie Fee can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. Her email address is vfee@miningjournal.net