The Rev. Barbara Hesse, Pastor of the Second Congregational church in Westfield. (photo submitted)
WESTFIELD-For many adults in our region, the gift of a warm winter coat is a blessing.
“This is New England and a coat can literally mean the difference between life and death,” said Reverend Barbara Hesse, who recently joined the UCC Second Congregational Church of Westfield on Western Avenue. Known as “Pastor Barb,” Hesse has extended the church’s coat drive through Nov. 19 and welcomes area residents to donate to this cause.
“Almost 10 years ago, the Springfield Rescue Mission contacted the Second Congregational Church and requested our help in providing coats to their residents,” said Hesse. “The church views itself as a ‘Beacon of Hope’ and as a congregation, they regarded the request as a way to provide shelter, worth and dignity to an underserved population.”
Coat donations can be dropped off at the church on Nov. 12 or Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to noon, or from Nov. 14-17 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, call (413) 568-7557.
“We use the coats to warm all those who are cold, regardless of religious affiliation,” said Hesse. “That’s why we are looking for coats and jackets of all shapes and sizes.”
Hesse noted the coat drive is a church-wide service project led by volunteers working behind the scenes including York Mitchell, Scott Clark, Angela Powell, Linda Byers, Holly Lurgio and Patrick Jay.
“Our church is passionate about being a ‘Beacon of Hope,’ but we can’t do it alone,” said Hesse. “We need the help and support of the community. There’s so much need, and though we’re doing everything we can, we need the community’s help to reach all in our community who need help.”
Hesse added that once all of the coats are counted they will be delivered within two to three days after Nov. 19.
“I am blessed to have been called to lead such a loving group of people,” said Hesse. “The people of UCC Second Congregational Church demonstrate the love of God in everything they do, and I have found that to be inspiring.”
While the coat drive has been a mainstay for many years, the congregation is active throughout the year with other service projects, ranging from its food pantry to help feed needy Westfield State University students, staff, and faculty, to participating in the Westfield Food Pantry’s Walk for Westfield and collecting food for the organization year-round. Additionally, a Mitten Tree donates winter apparel items to those in need and in 2016, 142 winter items were given to the Sioux YMCA in South Dakota. Other worthy projects that church members support include “Our Community Table,” serving meals to Westfield’s homeless population; “The Kinship Fund,” that supports homeless teens in Westfield, and Church World Services, which provides disaster response in the United States and around the world.
In January, Hesse added that the church will sponsor a “Month of Undie Sundays,” collecting new packages of underwear to provide to the Springfield Rescue Mission and other local programs, such as the Kinship Fund.
“The first thing I noticed about the church was that the website said, ‘Driven by Christ to Care,’” said Hesse. “Over the last three months, as I’ve gotten to know the congregation, I’ve found that that’s not just a slogan.”
