- April 15, 2024
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In order to help people affected by the week's cold temperature, Andrea Coleman of Ocean Child Boutique is having a rack outside her store where those in need may grab a sweatshirt or jacket.
Coleman began her initiative on Thursday, Jan. 4, and over a span of four hours, nine items were taken. The rack, complete with a pink sign letting people know they can grab whatever they need, will be outside Ocean Child on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For Coleman, it's another way to give back to the community.
"We thought now that we have the store and we have a rolling rack, what a great way to help somebody out there that may not want to go somewhere for help," she said. "They can just walk right up and grab a jacket, take it to go — no questions asked."
The rack had about 15 sweaters and jackets near the end of the day on Thursday, thanks to a quick run by Coleman to the Halifax Humane Society. Though the rack had only been up for a few hours, it was already running low on items.
"Even if it's just five to 10 a day, it's amazing just to know that they have something warm on their back for tonight," Coleman said.
Over the next few days, the rack will continue to be stocked thanks to donations.
Nancy and Lowell Lohman matched local philanthropist L. Gale Lemerand's donation to the Jewish Federation's Jerry Doliner Food Bank on Friday, Dec. 22, meaning every donation to help disadvantaged families in Volusia and Flagler County will be doubled.
Gloria Max, executive director of the Jewish Federation, said the Lohmans were impressed by what Lemerand was doing with the Jewish Federation, inspiring them to match his $12,000 donation — plus give $100 more, for a total of $12,100.
The two matching grants arrived during the Jewish Federation's Chrismakkah food drive as the food bank provided turkeys to over 250 families in need on Thursday, Dec. 21, just in time for the holidays.
To help the food bank reach the $24,100 in matching grants, call 396-672-0294.
