Four years ago, Mattie Moore started a ministry at North Athens Church of Christ that provides free coats to Limestone County residents, no questions asked. Moore lost a long-time battle with breast cancer earlier this year, but her legacy lives on as the church gears up for their fourth annual Coat Give Away on Nov. 11.

Minster Sylvester Malone said his congregation of 25 has been busily collecting, buying and washing used coats in preparation for the 12-2 p.m. giveaway at 19159 Alabama 127. He hopes to hand out 200-plus coats this year.

“No one walks away empty-handed,” Malone said. “We try to have coats in every size for men, women, children and babies.”

“We are trying to imitate what Jesus did by not only meeting spiritual needs but also the physical needs of people,” he added. “That’s the example Jesus set when he fed the crowds with the loaves and fishes.”

Church members will also be serving homemade soup and desserts the day of the giveaway.

“We want people to fill their stomachs, too,” Malone said. “You just never know what people are going through.”

Donations of new or gently used coats will be accepted until Friday. Contact Malone at 256-874-1941 to arrange for pickup.