For Peachis Amadou, St. Leo’s Annual Coat Giveaway brings to life the Gospel teaching to love your neighbor as yourself. She loves seeing the community come together to help those in need. Over the years, Peachis has donated coats, volunteered at the giveaway, received coats for her clients, and even received a coat for her daughter. This year will be her second coat giveaway as Outreach Coordinator for St. Leo’s.
“The day of the coat giveaway, seeing individuals and families come and pick out a coat is so heartwarming,” Peachis says. “The smiles and the excitement of receiving a coat are priceless.”
Nineteen years ago, the need to help keep members of the community warm through the winter months was recognized, and from that came the Annual Coat Giveaway.
“One of the Catholic social teachings is to take care of the poor and vulnerable,” Peachis says. “We are giving a coat to those who need it, so they can stay warm during the harsh winters here in Nebraska. We are taking care of those who may not have the money to buy a coat for themselves or their children.”
Coats are being collected until Oct. 26. All coats are accepted — however, there is always a particular need for children’s coats from size 2T to 10/12, as well as larger sizes 2X or bigger. The coats are given to families or individuals in the community. In addition to receiving the coat, individuals are met with love and positivity from the volunteers.
“I am so very grateful for all the parishioners here at St. Leo’s,” Peachis says. “They donate so much time to the coat giveaway. I coordinate all of the community involvement and am truly blessed. We have stores that put up flyers or boxes for donations, or they even donate coats. So many people in the community donate coats all throughout the year. The parishioners are so wonderful — they truly take care of others.”
If you have questions about the Annual Coat Giveaway, contact Peachis Amadou at 308-382-4754 or outreach@saintleos.org.