Coats Ease Bitter Cold for Omaha Families

Heartland Hope Mission (HeartlandHopeMission.org) partnered with Nebraska Furniture Mart and KMTV 3 News Now to help working poor families ease the bitter cold this winter by hosting a coat donation drive at Nebraska Furniture Mart and the KMTV news station. The community donated new and gently used coats, hats and gloves along with other warm winter items.

“Frigid weather makes it imperative that families in need have access to winter coats and hats,” says Chelsea Salifou, CEO of Heartland Hope Mission.

The final numbers totaled over 1,000 coats and over 2,900 warm winter items donated for working poor families.

Last year, the drive collected 521 coats, 333 pairs of gloves, 173 hats, 142 scarves, 130 blankets and 14 pairs of shoes. All donations are distributed locally and are free to families in need.

At Heartland Hope Mission’s South Omaha and Millard food pantries, working poor families choose a week’s supply of nutritious groceries including: milk, frozen meat, and fresh produce to prepare well-balanced meals at home. Clients also receive: clothing, hygiene items, diapers, and access to a client service specialist, who assists with SNAP (food stamp) applications and navigational services. Last year the pantry saw a 25 percent increase in clients and provided pantries to over 45,000 people. All services are provided locally. You can make a $25 donation at HeartlandHopeMission.org.