Have faith: Operation Warmth will return next year

Although discussions behind the scenes continue to search for a location and safe way to carry out even a smaller-scale Operation Warmth this fall, Rev. Jerry Slote of Redeemer Lutheran Church confirms the typical month-long undertaking will not take place at the church located at the corner of Ferguson and Second Avenue East this year.

"It's out there in the community," he says. "I don't see it happening for us. We've been talking to different folks. With the guidelines to keep people safe, it's going to be a real challenge," even for some sort of one-day event at another venue. "I know there are people out there running around trying to do it. If someone can figure out a way, I give them all God's blessing to do it."

In what would have been its 25th year helping outfit people in need with donated winter clothing, Pastor Jerry or PJ — as he's known to his congregation and in the community — says the possibility members of the community who have been aided by Operation Warmth in the past could go without is "heartbreaking."

See related story: Operation Warmth providing free winter clothing since 1995

Of Operation Warmth, Pastor Jerry says, "We know all these people. We've seen some of them for the last 25 years. The vast majority, I see them on the streets, at the store, or at the mall. We just nod our heads. We just can't risk making people sick."

Operation Warmth typically distributes 2,000 coats each year plus other donated winter accessories.

Facing obstacles that could not be overcome in a tight, poorly-ventilated space such as the church basement, Operation Warmth organizers brainstormed various scenarios to save this year's edition but quickly knew it was in jeopardy.

"Between the social distancing requirements, the sanitizing, it was already going to be a challenge," explains Pastor Jerry, adding the guideline to quarantine and sanitize for 48 hours any piece of clothing that had been handled either as a donation or by someone in the church basement was daunting. 

He adds the church will not be able to accept donations to hold for 2021. The limited storage on the premises is already full, so any items from the community will have to go to other agencies with the capacity to accept them.

"This year, it will fall to smaller operations to help out. Neighbour to neighbour and service groups," says Pastor Jerry.

Ultimately, as unfortunate as the situation is, the health of all involved in Operation Warmth had to take precedence. 

"We couldn't follow the guidelines whatsoever and we weren't going to risk people coming in and getting sick," he says. "Next year we hope to get right back to where we were. We'll see how things go."