Hands 4 Hope announces annual winter jacket and clothing drive

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jack Burris, the Hands 4 Hope founder, is shown in November 2024 when winter clothing was made available outside the Holy Family Parish in Albion. There were tables with kid-size boots and other winter clothing. This photo was taken after about 100 people went through, picking out coats and other winter apparel. Burris founded Hands 4 Hope 11 years ago. He appreciates the community’s continued donations towards the ministry.

Press Release, Hands 4 Hope

The Hands 4 Hope street ministry is preparing for its fifth annual Red Jacket Rally, continuing a community tradition that has helped provide thousands of warm winter jackets and other cold-weather necessities to neighbors throughout Orleans County.

Since the Red Jacket Rally began five years ago, Hands 4 Hope has consistently distributed more than 600 winter jackets each year, putting the ministry’s total at well over 3,000 jackets given away to local individuals and families. Every jacket, hat, pair of gloves and other item is offered completely free of charge to those who need them.

This year’s Red Jacket Rallies will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on three Thursdays: October 22 at Hoag Library in Albion, November 5 at Evans Ace Hardware in Medina, and November 19 at Holley Square.

Community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used warm winter apparel, including jackets, hats, gloves and winter boots. Those in need are invited to come to the rallies and take what they need — freely given.

The Red Jacket Rally, however, represents only part of Hands 4 Hope’s year-round outreach. During the ministry’s regular Hands 4 Hope Shares, held on the first four Saturdays of each month, volunteers also distribute winter jackets and seasonal clothing, hats and other necessities whenever needed.

At the heart of the effort is a simple mission: neighbors helping neighbors while sharing the hope and love of Jesus Christ.

For additional information about the Red Jacket Rally, donating winter apparel, or Hands 4 Hope Street Ministry, contact Hands 4 Hope or follow the ministry’s community outreach announcements.