When Bill Rinehart found out there was an urgent need for coats at the Jackson County Clothing Center, he set the wheels in motion.

Rinehart is plant manager at Dicksons Inc. and also is a volunteer at Reddington Christian Church, 10516 N. U.S 31, Seymour.

"I found out about the need through a Facebook post from the clothing center shared by Ruth Ann Rebber," he said. "I then contacted Cheryl Vierling at the clothing center about our church doing a coat drive to help out."

Vierling is a volunteer and board member of the clothing center.

Rinehart said he knew the church was actively looking for ways they can help in the community and Vierling was very appreciative.

The clothing center then reached out to the Reddington church because of their critical need, Chris Stevens, worship director said.

"This Saturday we’re going to park our church van outside First Baptist Church, 505 Community Drive, Seymour, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and anybody can come by and drop off coats in a touch-less, safe way," Stevens said.

He said there is a high demand for coats at the center right now and they just don’t have them, so he is hoping the community will really lean into this initiative and help the clothing center.

Stevens added, over the past year, the church has been talking about how they can leave a bigger footprint in the community and show more of a love of Christ in the community.

"One of the questions we tasked ourselves with, is if Reddington Christian Church disappeared today, would anybody notice," Stevens said. "If the answer is no, then we surely have some work to do." 

He said they are always scanning the horizon of opportunities to serve the community and figure out how they can help.

When this opportunity came up, he said there was no hesitation on their part and they were definitely going to figure out how to collect a bunch of coats for the center.

Due to the pandemic, the clothing center is allowing shoppers in emergency situations by appointment only.

The center’s new location is 622 W. Second St. in Seymour and the phone number is 812-522-7331.

"Some people think an emergency situation means if there’s been a fire or something like that," Vierling said. "But an emergency would be if a person does not have a coat."

Besides coats of all shapes and sizes, she said the center is also in need of clean queen size sheets, blankets and towels.

If you’re unsure whether an item is in good enough condition to donate, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, "Would I give this to someone I know?" or "Would I buy an item in this condition?"

"If anyone leaves the requested items in our donation box on the front porch, please call to let us know it’s there," Vierling said. "Another way is call us and schedule a drop off time and if no one answers, please leave a message."

She went on to say donations are very much appreciated, as are all of the hours their volunteers put in.

For information call Reddington Christian Church, 812-445-3451 or Jackson County Clothing Center, 812-522-7331.

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What: Reddington Christian Church coat drive for Jackson County Clothing Center.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: First Baptist Church, 505 Community Dr., Seymour

Items Needed: Clean coats of any size for men, women and kids of all ages

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