OUR COAT DRIVE IS CONTINUING TO ACCEPT THE BENEVOLENCE OF OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH THEIR GENEROSITY IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL!!
Please see the below listed efforts of past years! This has been a successful coat drive for our LOCAL needy! Thank you for contributing!
My son, Michael Rathgeber, was killed in an accident on July 25, 1998.
For the two winters before Michael's death, after he would get a new jacket, he would collect his old one, and encourage a few friends to do the same..Then, one of the things he took pleasure in doing was to bring warm coats and give them to needy, homeless people during the winter. Malissa, Sarah and I are working on this 8th. annual project in Michael's memory.
October 27th,2007 is "MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY"..
On behalf of that day, and in Michael's memory, the Rathgeber Family is hosting the eighth annual coat collection drive at the Office of Visiting Angels Home Health Care 228 Main Street, Toms River, NJ , between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2PM....local pick-up is available...call Mrs Rath for info 732 240-1050There is also a drop off box on the porch for after hours drop-off!
We are so pleased to announce that this year we will again be working in conjunction with the ELKS in the distribution of our coats as well as the great children from Hooper Avenue Intermediate East School, Early Act Club. They will be collecting "gently used" or new coats to support our program, so we can distribute them! Last year they collected several hundred coats, and we are looking forward to a great donation again this year!
Additionally VISITING ANGELS OF OCEAN COUNTY is the main drop off location for the 2007 project!. They will be accepting new or gently used, clean coats Monday - Friday 10 a - 2 pm! The last day for drop off is Wednesday before Thanksgiving. We will end collection at that time, and begin distribution!
If you know of any family that needs a coat(s), please call Visiting Angels of Ocean County (732) 240-1050 with the family information and we will try to find warm coats for them!
On a final note, here is a letter from a school in Florida that is going to join our cause:
"I am an exceptional education teacher in the state of Florida that came across your website.
I wanted my students to do a community based project for class. While looking for ideas, I came across your website and was touched.
I was wondering are you still celebrating this day in memory of Michael and if so is there something that my class and I can do to help?"
Below.. are the progress notes from previous years Coat drives.. How good it made us feel to realize that as individuals.. collectively.. we made a difference in over 1000 men, women and children's lives!! read on to see what happened in previous years.. and there is a beautiful poem following the notes!!.. Thanks for your continued support.. Looking forward to really making a difference in 2007!!
I watched a man pass by today He ambled, slowly, on his way To where? I truly cannot say There's just a field. I watched him shuffle, head turned down And followed his gaze to the ground His shoes were battered, worn and brown With several holes. His clothes had seen a better day (Things I'd have long-since thrown away) In such a breeze, most pantlegs sway How can that feel? His coat was tattered, thin and old Small refuge from the bitter cold A hunter's hat with flaps unfold Warmed his ears. His manner offered little charm And, nearing, caused me faint alarm Could he, a stranger, mean me harm? What should I do? Compassion mingled with distrust Empathy with mild disgust Charity, but only just; I felt afraid. He looked up from his listless stroll (A face where time had taken toll) With eyes; the mirror to his soul I stood transfixed. The glance was brief, though seeming long, And he proceeded right along, As I endured, confusion strong, A sense of loss. I'd watched a man in dire need Pass by, no thought to intercede In judging him, I sensed the need To judge myself. For aren't we all a part of one? One soul, one home beyond the sun? Our purpose, not to hurt or shun But to help? New eyes absorbed his slight, bent frame Our size, it seemed, could be the same.... And hoping he would feel no shame I stepped his way. "Sir", I called, "Sir, wait up, please!" His tired steps abruptly ceased "On such a day, you'll surely freeze, Without your coat." He turned with eyes grown solemn, wary, To view my coat, quite ordinary As if it were extraordinary I held it out. He donned, with thoughtful, pleased surprise, The coat, then stood to scrutinize Myself, his look both grateful, wise He nodded thanks. With heart and mind on full display I humbly watched him walk away For softly, I had heard him say, "God bless." ~ Ruth Anne Boothe ~
There's just a field.
I watched him shuffle, head turned down And followed his gaze to the ground His shoes were battered, worn and brown
With several holes.
His clothes had seen a better day (Things I'd have long-since thrown away) In such a breeze, most pantlegs sway
How can that feel?
His coat was tattered, thin and old Small refuge from the bitter cold A hunter's hat with flaps unfold
Warmed his ears.
His manner offered little charm And, nearing, caused me faint alarm Could he, a stranger, mean me harm?
What should I do?
Compassion mingled with distrust Empathy with mild disgust Charity, but only just;
I felt afraid.
He looked up from his listless stroll (A face where time had taken toll) With eyes; the mirror to his soul
I stood transfixed.
The glance was brief, though seeming long, And he proceeded right along, As I endured, confusion strong, A sense of loss.
I'd watched a man in dire need Pass by, no thought to intercede In judging him, I sensed the need
To judge myself.
For aren't we all a part of one? One soul, one home beyond the sun? Our purpose, not to hurt or shun
But to help?
New eyes absorbed his slight, bent frame Our size, it seemed, could be the same.... And hoping he would feel no shame
I stepped his way.
"Sir", I called, "Sir, wait up, please!" His tired steps abruptly ceased "On such a day, you'll surely freeze,
Without your coat."
He turned with eyes grown solemn, wary, To view my coat, quite ordinary As if it were extraordinary
I held it out.
He donned, with thoughtful, pleased surprise, The coat, then stood to scrutinize
Myself,
his look both grateful, wise He nodded thanks.
With heart and mind on full display I humbly watched him walk away For softly, I had heard him say,
"God bless."
~ Ruth Anne Boothe ~
November 23, 2005.... A banner year!! We again collected and distributed over 500 coats this year! Several schools have been contacting us to help give warmth to some of the less fortunate children in their schools! We were also honored to be able to assist family members of those who have been deployed overseas to help defend freedom! We are blessed to be able to help these families.
October 25, 1999 We will continue to accept coats through Thanksgiving !
***Beacuse of the overwhelming requests for warm coats, we will be accepting coats for as long as someone would like to give them !! Unfortunately, there will always be enough people who will need a coat....PLEASE BE GENEROUS AND HELP !! YOU CANMAKE A DIFFERENCE!! DEAR FRIENDS, THE JR. HIGH YOUTH GROUP OF ST JOSEPH'S IN TOMS RIVER, NJ IS JOINING THE RATHGEBER FAMILY IN A COAT DRIVE THIS FALL. THE MEMBERS OF THIS GROUP WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU TO PLEASE BE GENEROUS AND DONATE ANY COATS, NEW OR USED, IN GOOD, CLEAN CONDITION. THEY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE NEEDY AND HOMELESS IN OUR AREA. GIFTS OF HATS, SCARFS AND GLOVES WILL ALSO BE APPRECIATED. (especially for the children) IF YOU CAN'T SEND SOMETHING, THAT'S OKAY TOO..ALL WE ASK IS THAT YOU KEEP THIS PROJECT IN YOUR PRAYERS THAT IT BE A SUCCESS.... I know this web site is reaching people all over the US and further..and it is not feasable for you to send coats here..but feel free to make a donation or gift certificate, if you like. For those who feel moved, perhaps you could even start a coat drive in your own area. Let me know if I could be of any help. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. SINCERELY, LORI RATHGEBER ***Update 10/25/01 The coat drive on 10/23 was a huge success..in more ways than one...a gentleman was teasing us, because it was so very chilly out that morning, and he said "bet you guys could use one of these coats now!"..to which we replied,"Yes, but imagine how much a homeless person is going to appreciate it more !" The man went to his car, emptied his pockets and came back and gave us HIS coat. He said "You gals are really doing a terrific thing here!"...it was at this point the children had that little light bulb go off and one said "Hey, we really ARE making a difference in someone's life!". I told them..."you don't have to raise millions of dollars, or go overseas. You can start to make a difference right here, in our own Community, just one person at a time!" So, if we had collected just ONE coat, the lesson that was learned made this experience a huge success for all !! I'm sure Michael is smiling upon us and cheering us on in this project ! Thanks for planting the seed Mike !The children of the St Joe's Youth Group will continue collecting coats through Thanksgiving. *****11/5/2002...GREAT NEWS !! The PTA of St Joseph's Grammer School, Toms River, NJ is again supporting our coat drive ...they will be collecting coats thru Thanksgiving also !!Please be generous and help !!*****We are so happy to announce the success of our project for 2000! We have collected and distributed over FIVE HUNDRED COATS The shear joy and appreciation seen on the faces of the children and adults alike is heartwarming! We hope you will come out and help us again next year, and help to keep our fellow man warm!The blue teardrop shows our support against child abuse. calamidy@aol.com PO box 816 Island Hgts, NJ 08732-0816 United States
DEAR FRIENDS, THE JR. HIGH YOUTH GROUP OF ST JOSEPH'S IN TOMS RIVER, NJ IS JOINING THE RATHGEBER FAMILY IN A COAT DRIVE THIS FALL. THE MEMBERS OF THIS GROUP WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU TO PLEASE BE GENEROUS AND DONATE ANY COATS, NEW OR USED, IN GOOD, CLEAN CONDITION. THEY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE NEEDY AND HOMELESS IN OUR AREA. GIFTS OF HATS, SCARFS AND GLOVES WILL ALSO BE APPRECIATED. (especially for the children) IF YOU CAN'T SEND SOMETHING, THAT'S OKAY TOO..ALL WE ASK IS THAT YOU KEEP THIS PROJECT IN YOUR PRAYERS THAT IT BE A SUCCESS.... I know this web site is reaching people all over the US and further..and it is not feasable for you to send coats here..but feel free to make a donation or gift certificate, if you like. For those who feel moved, perhaps you could even start a coat drive in your own area. Let me know if I could be of any help. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. SINCERELY, LORI RATHGEBER ***Update 10/25/01 The coat drive on 10/23 was a huge success..in more ways than one...a gentleman was teasing us, because it was so very chilly out that morning, and he said "bet you guys could use one of these coats now!"..to which we replied,"Yes, but imagine how much a homeless person is going to appreciate it more !" The man went to his car, emptied his pockets and came back and gave us HIS coat. He said "You gals are really doing a terrific thing here!"...it was at this point the children had that little light bulb go off and one said "Hey, we really ARE making a difference in someone's life!". I told them..."you don't have to raise millions of dollars, or go overseas. You can start to make a difference right here, in our own Community, just one person at a time!" So, if we had collected just ONE coat, the lesson that was learned made this experience a huge success for all !! I'm sure Michael is smiling upon us and cheering us on in this project ! Thanks for planting the seed Mike !The children of the St Joe's Youth Group will continue collecting coats through Thanksgiving. *****11/5/2002...GREAT NEWS !! The PTA of St Joseph's Grammer School, Toms River, NJ is again supporting our coat drive ...they will be collecting coats thru Thanksgiving also !!Please be generous and help !!*****We are so happy to announce the success of our project for 2000! We have collected and distributed over FIVE HUNDRED COATS The shear joy and appreciation seen on the faces of the children and adults alike is heartwarming! We hope you will come out and help us again next year, and help to keep our fellow man warm!The blue teardrop shows our support against child abuse. calamidy@aol.com PO box 816 Island Hgts, NJ 08732-0816 United States
I know this web site is reaching people all over the US and further..and it is not feasable for you to send coats here..but feel free to make a donation or gift certificate, if you like. For those who feel moved, perhaps you could even start a coat drive in your own area. Let me know if I could be of any help. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. SINCERELY, LORI RATHGEBER
***Update 10/25/01 The coat drive on 10/23 was a huge success..in more ways than one...a gentleman was teasing us, because it was so very chilly out that morning, and he said "bet you guys could use one of these coats now!"..to which we replied,"Yes, but imagine how much a homeless person is going to appreciate it more !" The man went to his car, emptied his pockets and came back and gave us HIS coat. He said "You gals are really doing a terrific thing here!"...it was at this point the children had that little light bulb go off and one said "Hey, we really ARE making a difference in someone's life!". I told them..."you don't have to raise millions of dollars, or go overseas. You can start to make a difference right here, in our own Community, just one person at a time!" So, if we had collected just ONE coat, the lesson that was learned made this experience a huge success for all !! I'm sure Michael is smiling upon us and cheering us on in this project ! Thanks for planting the seed Mike !The children of the St Joe's Youth Group will continue collecting coats through Thanksgiving. *****11/5/2002...GREAT NEWS !! The PTA of St Joseph's Grammer School, Toms River, NJ is again supporting our coat drive ...they will be collecting coats thru Thanksgiving also !!Please be generous and help !!*****We are so happy to announce the success of our project for 2000! We have collected and distributed over FIVE HUNDRED COATS The shear joy and appreciation seen on the faces of the children and adults alike is heartwarming! We hope you will come out and help us again next year, and help to keep our fellow man warm!The blue teardrop shows our support against child abuse. calamidy@aol.com PO box 816 Island Hgts, NJ 08732-0816 United States
*****11/5/2002...GREAT NEWS !! The PTA of St Joseph's Grammer School, Toms River, NJ is again supporting our coat drive ...they will be collecting coats thru Thanksgiving also !!Please be generous and help !!
*****We are so happy to announce the success of our project for 2000! We have collected and distributed over FIVE HUNDRED COATS The shear joy and appreciation seen on the faces of the children and adults alike is heartwarming!
We hope you will come out and help us again next year, and help to keep our fellow man warm!
The blue teardrop shows our support against child abuse. calamidy@aol.com PO box 816 Island Hgts, NJ 08732-0816 United States
calamidy@aol.com PO box 816 Island Hgts, NJ 08732-0816 United States
NOBODY If nobody smiled and nobody cared and nobody helped us along. If every moment looked after itself and good things always went to the strong; If nobody thought just a little about you and nobody cared about me, and we stood alone, in the battle of life, What a dreary old world this would be. Life is sweet, just because of friends we have made and the things which in common we share. We want to live on, not because of ourselves, but because of the people who care. It is doing and giving for somebody else on which all of life's splendor depends. The joy of this world, when you've summed it all up, is found in the making of friends. author unknown A FRIEND IS A SOLACE IN GRIEF AND IN JOY A MERRY COMPANION. John Lyly I LIVE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE ME, WHOSE HEARTS ARE KIND AND TRUE... FOR THE BRIGHT HOPES LEFT BEHIND ME, AND THE GOOD THAT I CAN DO. George L. Banks
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