COAT DRIVE EXPLOSION IN PATERSON
WFWP Ladies doing the coat drive in Paterson
Early in the month of September, realizing that winter is difficult for many families with tight incomes, the WFWP Paterson Chapter initiated a coat drive to supply people with coats. To collect as many coats as possible, the chapter decided to propose collaboration with the New Jersey Chapter of the Korean Evangelical Association (KEA). We presented the idea to the representative, Mrs. Midori Kang, who was very inspired and wanted to participate with WFWP in this worthy cause. Fliers and announcements were made, and the first coats came from Rev. Lee of KEA. The coats he donated were in great condition, and his heart was so sincere, we knew that this was a wonderful starting point to kick off the drive.
Each of the ladies worked hard for three months. Mrs. Kang collected coats in KEA. Mrs. Elizabeth Yamada who has lived in her Fort Lee community for over 20 years has gotten to know many of the Japanese residents in the area while visiting their yard sales. This year, when she visited their yard sales during our coat drive, she handed out WFWP information as well as words from Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon along with the fliers for the drive. Many people she met were so moved that they gave extra donations to help our cause.
Claire Haider with Pastor Judy & Pete Foster
Mrs. Claire Haider collected coats in the city of Carlstadt and from local second-hand stores. Mr. Hubert Haider sent an e-mail to everyone in his workplace at the Bergen County Board of Social Services announcing the drive as a Women's Federation for World Peace project. This e-mail was viewed by over 300 employees. One of the employees, Ms. Bernadette Rogers Scheidewig, was so inspired that, along with donating coats herself, she helped transport the coats daily as they accumulated. Mrs. Meadow Tallakson collected coats from the young mothers group and her children's school.
Besides coats, all of us were able to purchase other essential items with our own personal donations. Delivery to Paterson was made on a weekly basis, due to the large numbers of coats collected each week.
Along with the donations of coats, clothing, and other items, all the receiving organizations were given copies of Dr. Hak Ja Han's speeches, information on WFWP, and special gifts of candies. After bringing substantial donations each week, the people in the organizations started to resonate with the heart of WFWP, and to view the organization as more than just another group donating items.
The Items that were donated were:
550 coats for adults and children
15 warm blankets
Baby formula
Baby diapers
Adult incontinence products
Toys for Christmas
Clothing for entire families
Toiletries of all types
Hats and gloves
The organizations that received the donations are the Grandparents and Relatives Organization, The First Islamic Center of Paterson, Ava's Kitchen, the women and families transitioning from incarceration under the guidance of Pastor Judy Foster and the Mt. Zion Full Gospel Church under Pastor Murphy.
WFWP would like to give special thanks to the Angels' Attic of Carlstadt, New Jersey for their significant donation of coats; and special thanks also to the Fort Lee residents who donated items from their yard sales instead of selling them.
