A Church’s Generosity

November 10, 2008

“I promised them 1,000 coats.” That is what Pastor Brandon Samuel told his congregation two weeks before November 2, 2008. He was asked to join the Family Enrichment Network in gathering coats for the needy this winter. But when Pastor Samuel promised them that many, he hadn’t enlisted the help from his congregation yet.

However, when he brought it to their attention, the people were more than ready to donate. Many marked their calendars and circled the dates. Others sent out emails to friends and family, while one woman took it upon herself to really reach out.

Debra Vincent of Binghamton attended that Sunday that he announced the challenge. “I wasn’t looking for this many.” Her face gleaming from the amount of coats she donated. “Working at Gault is like working at home. Everyone is family there and so I thought it couldn’t hurt for a little support for coat donations.” And donate they did. Email after email was sent around Gault Toyota asking for a coat here and there. Calls were made from News Channel 34 looking for a story, while Debars work desk was covered with coats from small to large. When November 2 came along; Debra Vincent lugged her three full garbage bags of winter coats donated by her and her work family.

Coats line the foyer of Washington Streets First Assembly of God. Piled high to the ceiling, people kept packing in their used and unwanted winter covers. “It is more than we bargained for but, it will all help the people. There is more behind the door,” said a member of the church when we entered for a picture on November 9, 2008. “They are still bringing some. People are still bringing some.”

And although the church coat drive is done now, donations can still be dropped at the Family Enrichment Network by Dec. 15 to be delivered in time for the holidays. Items can be dropped off Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.