ROCKWALL COUNTY, TX (September 29, 2014) Throughout October, the public is encouraged to drop off new or gently used men’s coats at Toyota of Rockwall, in support of One Man’s Treasure Coat Drive.
The dealership has partnered with One Man’s Treasure to help clothe men who have recently been released from prison and who plan to return to Rockwall, Kaufman or Dallas counties.
“Toyota of Rockwall has played an invaluable role in meeting the needs of our growing ministry in the past, and this coat drive is another example of their generous support of the community,” said Annette Jenkins, Executive Director of the faith-based nonprofit organization. “They recognize the challenges of successful reintegration faced by our indigent clients. These men come out of prison with only one shirt and a pair of pants, one hundred dollars and a bus ticket – and they have limited support in the areas of housing, clothing, transportation and employment. Many of these men do not have family, and others return to families that are unable to financially assist them in meeting their basic needs.”
Founded in Rockwall nearly ten years ago, One Man’s Treasure has provided new or gently used clothing to more than 5,000 formerly incarcerated men. Each man receives three to five shirts, two pairs of pants, shoes, five pairs of new underwear and socks – and during the winter months – a coat, hat and gloves.
“I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Mathew 25:36
Jenkins explains that the mission of One Man’s Treasure is centered on the belief that if these men come home from prison with a desire to change their lives, and can find employment, they can lift themselves from poverty into being a productive member of society and a positive role model for those around them.
The donated clothing is gathered and stored at a local clothes closet. A male volunteer with One Man’s Treasure then delivers a set of clothing directly to the client’s residence.
“The volunteer ‘Shepherd’ takes time to visit with the client, encouraging him during that critical time of transition,” Jenkins said.
Over the years, the number men served by One Man’s Treasure has grown to 800-900 per year. Jenkins stressed that donations of clothing, shoes and coats are an invaluable part of the ministry, and any unused items are passed on to other charities or homeless shelters.
“With the support of individuals and community partners like Toyota of Rockwall, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of the formerly incarcerated, bringing them hope for a changed life. In doing that, we can help lower the rate of recidivism among our clients and make our communities safer,” she said.
A collection area is set up in Toyota of Rockwall’s lobby, where the community is encouraged to drop off donations during the dealership’s regular hours Monday through Saturday in October.
To learn more, visit One Man’s Treasure website at onemanstr.org.
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News.
To share your good news and events, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
Please click here to LIKE our Facebook page, so we can reach more people with good news like this!
Toyota of Rockwall teams with One Man’s Treasure to help men in transition added by Editor on
View all posts by Editor →