New Hope’s ‘Giving Tree’ offers winter clothing items to those in need

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

Pastor Isaac Johnson and the congregation at New Hope Lutheran Church just want people to know that the Giving Tree is there.

“People don’t need to tell us, they don’t need to sign up or anything,” Johnson said. “If they need something to help them keep warm, they can just help themselves.”

For the past few winters, the Christmas tree — located in front of the church at 607 Main Street downtown Charles City — has been decorated with hats, scarves, mittens and other winter clothing items that people can take for free.

“Congregation members put out a tree and they hang out scarves, hats and mittens, warm things to wear,” said Johnson, who said the items will be available to anyone who needs them for about three months. “The tree will probably be out there though February.”

Johnson, who has been pastor at New Hope for just over a year, said the congregation at New Hope restocks the tree as often as needed.

“It’s just a small way to help out during the cold winter months,” he said.