Rotarians learn about Coats for the Cold; donations needed

By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Margaret Ayers with Coats for the Cold guest spoke at the South Campbell County Rotary Club luncheon on Tuesday.

Currently, coat and warm clothes and garment donations are being accepted at the LaFollette Methodist Church and the LaFollette Church of God. The deadline for donations is Monday, November 27.

The giveaway is slated for Fri. and Sat., December 1 and 2, at the LaFollette Methodist Church from 9am to 5 pm each day. Those in need of a coat or clothing are encouraged to come!

Ayers has “worked several ministries over the years,” but her passion for the past 16 years has been Coats for the Cold ministry.

She started Coats for the Cold in 2007 and had the first give away in 2008.

She said that in 2007 she had become involved with a food giveaway with a group of ladies at the LaFollette Methodist Church. 

The ladies had moved their ministry to the food pantry and gave away food and some coats and garments. Ayers helped with that and the experience stayed with her and on her mind, leading her to start the Coats for the Cold ministry. 

Margaret Ayers with Coats for the Cold guest spoke at the South Campbell County Rotary Club luncheon on Tuesday.

“What touched my heart, it was a cold day in November and people lined up to get the food, but they didn’t have anything to give them coats or clothes-wise,” Ayers said.

She said all winter, it haunted her, whenever the wind blew, and she knew she had to help.

“Along the way, a lot of people have joined the efforts. I could not have done it alone,” Ayers said.

On day of first giveaway in 2008, Rotarians came and helped with giveaway, as did multiple other community members. 

“The most wonderful thing about it, during this process, so many people volunteered to help,” Ayers said.

The first year, they gave away over 2,500 coats.

“Every year since we have done a coat giveaway.

We just try to do what we can. It’s been a joint effort. Really I do it because I’ve had a blessed life. I just want to be a blessing to someone else,” Ayers said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/22/2023-6AM)