Photo by Heather Cathcart-Norris Caption: Logan and Lacy Houghtling holding a sample of coats that will be given to local children in the Sheffield area. The Tiona Methodist Church will distribute coats to children through its Coats for Kids ministry at the Allegheny Valley Veterans Center on Saturday, October 19.

For 14 years, the Tiona Methodist Church has had a coat closet called the Coats for Kids ministry.

The ministry helps families struggling to make ends meet by taking the financial burden of buying coats away.

Jim Houtling, who has been involved in the ministry since its inception, said, “With inflation and the Christmas season quickly approaching, many families will have to make choices about what they need and what they would like to have.”

“The cost of a new winter coat for their child should not be a concern,” said Houtling.

The coat closet has an array of coats that they will match up based on referrals they receive from community partners.

“If we get a referral and don’t have a fit in the inventory, volunteers go shop for what we need,” said Houghtling.

The funds come from the congregation, and the group also provides hats, mittens/gloves, and scarves, some of which are crocheted or knit by congregants.

“The kids seem to really enjoy picking out just the right ones,” said Houtling.

The Clarendon Vets have been instrumental in our program,” said Houtling, “This is the second year they are letting us use the Alleghany Vets Center; they are so helpful.”

Allegheny Valley Veterans Center has provided Coats for Kids tables and chairs for the give-away day and made the group coat racks in a room just for its inventory and equipment for year-round storage.

“Helping those who are less fortunate is what God has called us to do. The smiles and thank-yous we get from the kids are really special,” said Houghtling.

Houghtling added, “I am often reminded that few of us get through this life without a bit of help along the way, and that is why we do it.”

Those who may have a need can call the church office at 723-5435. Houghtling said they might be able to meet last-minute requests based on what is available in the coat closet.