HAMPDEN – With days and nights growing colder, sweater and coat weather is upon us. As you pull out last year’s winter coats and sweatshirts in preparation – if you happen to notice one may be a bit snug or loose and you would like to replace it – consider donating your gently used coats and sweaters to Bethlehem Church in support of their partnership with Between Bridges.

The organization Between Bridges maintains a homeless hotline to assist in meeting the needs of the homeless in real time. The group also teaches at local homeless shelters, and conducts an outdoor fellowship service. Connection and Outreach Director for Bethlehem Church Lori Cooney explained that through this partnership, Bethlehem hopes to help Between Bridges, “meet the spiritual and physical needs of the homeless in Springfield.”

Bethlehem learned of Between Bridges in the fall of 2017 when a volunteer from the organization reached out to the church and asked if they would be willing to sponsor a coat drive.

“We knew that the Bethlehem community would be very generous in supporting their urgent need for used men’s large, extra large, and extra extra large winter jackets and sweatshirts,” Cooney explained. “Last fall, we provided over 100 items. This year, we are hoping with the communities help to collect over 200 items.”

Between Bridges visits the homeless in Springfield each week and brings food, first aid supplies, socks, water and Bibles to over 100 people each week.

Bethlehem Church will be accepting donations for mens sweatshirts and jackets in their lobby through Oct. 27. The church is located at 123 Allen St. in Hampden, and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.