Annual 'Chili and Coats' event to provide winter wear, a warm meal to families in need

Local faith and community organizations will lend residents a helping hand on Nov. 19 with the annual "Chili and Coats" event at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Port Huron.

Residents who attend the event — which will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 834 Chestnut St. — will receive a free coat for each member of their family, warm outwear such as hats, gloves and scarves, and a warm bowl of chili. A band will be playing and local clergy members will be there to have conversations with attendees.

No proof of need is required, but attendees will need to register upon entry at the event, said Kim Brown, event organizer and pastor of the Zion Cathedral of Praise church.

Brown said there will also be a table available with information about services in the community, which will help address and fill gaps in residents' needs.

The event provides a message of encouragement at a time of year when some individuals experience high rates of depression, Brown said.

"The goal of the annual event is really to make sure that no adult or child in our community goes without a warm coat," Brown said. "And we find that during the holidays that many times this is the time that we see a lot of depression in individuals so when they come they're just able to have a conversation and receive a message of encouragement and to know that they're not alone."

Last year, the event attracted about 300 families. Organizers expect an increase in attendees due to rising inflation, which squeezes families' budgets and causes greater need in the community, Brown said.

Coat donations can be dropped off at Woodrow Elementary on the day of the event before 10 a.m. Those who are interested in volunteering should call Pastor Audrey Morris (810) 357-4900, or Brown (810) 689-4807.

The event is a collaboration between several faith and nonprofit organizations, including St. Clair County Organizing for Regional Equity, Bridge Builders Counseling & Mentoring, Harbor Impact Ministries, Port Huron Assemblies of God, Pollack and Randall Funeral Home, Faith Christian Community Church, Woodrow Wilson Elementary, Eastern Michigan Food Bank, C4 Yourself Church, Blue Water Christian Church, Grace Episcopal Church, Community Foundation of St. Clair County sponsors and New Life North Christian Church.

Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 or lfitzgeral@gannett.com.