Youth run clothing drive at St. Mary's, Glens Falls

By NORA BORGOS- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

(Editor's note: Nora is a St. Mary's youth ministry team member and a senior at Glens Falls High School.)

As the temperatures drop, the need for warm winter clothing rises. In Glens Falls, this need was answered by the youth ministry team at St. Mary's parish.

Organized and carried out by the youth of the parish, the second annual winter clothing drive, held Oct. 24 at St. Mary's/St. Alphonsus School, helped approximately 250 people by providing free winter clothing.

Choosing from gently-used boots, winter coats, sweaters, snow pants and more, people of all ages were able to find warm clothing for the upcoming winter season. Patrons described the clothing drive as "well-organized" and "calm yet crowded," with a "great selection of clothes." Many claimed that their "prayers were answered" and that "this community is truly blessed."

The unique thing about this event is that it is primarily run by the youth. The youth ministry team, made up of about 10 area high schoolers, came up with the idea for the drive last fall. The group organized and carried out the event with the assistance of adults and additional teens from the parish.

On their way out of the building, people were given the opportunity to pray with members of St. Mary's parish, and rosaries were available free of charge. This new addition was clearly popular, as the table ran out of rosaries very quickly.

Patrons could also leave comments in a guestbook on their way out. The book ended up full of positive remarks, such as, "I thought it was wonderful. I have been struggling for so long. Everyone was so helpful. I'm glad we have people who still care. God bless."

Another attendee wrote: "Thank you so much for the generosity you are showing the community! All of these things will help so many - bless you!" Someone else wrote: "I am so grateful for the things we got today, and will do my part to help others as my family was helped today."

The winter clothing drive is expected to become an annual event, to be held every October. The first two have been great successes, and hopefully will only continue to help more and more people. The community of Glens Falls has been blessed with many generous and caring people; hopefully, this event will serve as a model for other communities to follow.[[In-content Ad]]