Sharpsburg's Roots of Faith, Pittsburgh International Airport partner for coat giveaway

Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg is partnering with the Pittsburgh International Airport to dole out winter coats that never quite made it to their intended destination.

For the fourth consecutive year, the ministry has received an array of warm weather clothes left at the airport by travelers and other visitors.

“The airport graciously gives us their lost and found,” Roots of Faith Director Kathleen Stanley said.

“It’s a lot of winter items – mostly coats, hoodies, jackets and sweaters. We have to rent a truck to haul all of it.”

The clothing usually fills 50 large boxes which are transported to the Sharpsburg church at 800 Main Street.

Stanley hopes to find new homes for all of it.

This year’s giveaway is scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Registration is not required.

More than 500 coats and other items will be given away.

“No one should go cold when there is an abundance of clothing available,” Stanley said.

“The clothing we receive from the airport is very gently used and in some cases, brand new.”

Coat distribution is open to residents of the Fox Chapel Area School District communities, as well as Etna.

Joining the effort is Fox Families Care (FFC), a local non-profit which will provide coats specifically for children in elementary and middle school.

“This was a really easy decision for us to participate,” FFC President Paulette O’Donnell said. “No child should go without a warm winter coat in Pittsburgh when there are so many generous families willing to make sure kids have a new or gently used coat.

“Working with Roots of Faith as a partner, we were able to ensure that both children and adults stay warm throughout the winter this year.”

Roots volunteer Barb Cohen has worked the past three years to organize the hectic event.

“This is a wonderful program that not only fills a need but helps us connect with people,” Cohen said. “There is always one or two stories that just tug at your heart strings.”

Stanley said the annual event serves an obvious purpose but an added benefit is the relationships it builds with the community.

“It brings awareness to the many programs that are offered at Roots and gives an extra helping hand to families and individuals who need it,” she said.