Southeast Nebraska church celebrates anniversary by giving out coats

Beatrice -- The First Christian church is celebrating an upcoming milestone of 150 years. To celebrate they’re giving out winter gear for all ages.

Pastor Mike Hanneman moved to this church nine months ago.

"October 6th 2022 is out 150th anniversary," Hanneman said. 

This Saturday is the annual coat closet. This event has been taking place for over 50 years each winter. The First Christian Church is the community coat closet so all the churches will bring donate used or new coats. This church is the central hub for all donated coats in Beatrice and Gage county. 

The coat drive can’t come soon enough with the weather getting extremely frigid.

Pastor Hanneman says that due to the pandemic many people lost their jobs. It is difficult for parents with young children to keep them warm and clothed in the Winter because they are growing each year and need new Winter gear every year. Which is why the coat drive in the perfect way to give back and help the community.

The coat closet at the church has coats for men, women and children of all sizes, as well as hats and gloves.

Pastor Hanneman says they just want to make these difficult times better for everyone.

"We just want to express love and kindness and grace to people because there’s so many people that are hurting," Hanneman said. 

The church is welcoming everybody to this event, and is planning to keep doing different events like this all through the year.

"We want to do something every month all year long to help the community whether they come to our church or not."

The Coat drive takes place 10am - 2pm on Saturday. Anyway can participate by picking up or donating coats.