Can you imagine never having a new coat?

Can you imagine day after day all winter long wearing someone else's hand-me-down coat?

Now imagine being that person and getting a brand new coat.

Christmas after Christmas for many years, Mission of Hope Church has given away coats — most of them brand new — along with hats, scarves and gloves, to people who rarely get anything new.

"In years past, I've seen a lot of young people living in bad situations who have never had a new coat," said the Rev. Howard Payne, pastor. "It helps their self-esteem to get one."

The church will give away coats at the YWCA, 110 N. Lime St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23.

Payne said the late Rev. Leonard Christian, Mission's founding pastor who began the coat drive, always stressed the importance of new coats.

The congregation, which worships at the YWCA has about 25 members. Each year they give away about 200 coats.

"We use our tithes and offerings to buy as much as we can," Payne said. "But we do depend heavily on donations from the public.

"We're looking for anyone willing to make a contribution to help purchase items or donate new coats," he said.

To make a monetary donation, mail a check to the church at Box 288, Bausman, PA 17504. Donated items may be dropped off at the YWCA at 4 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call Payne at 392-4564.

"We want to do something to offset problems people are having with the economy, being unemployed, people in need, people with children who are struggling financially.

And in light of President Barack Obama's call to bring the military home from Iraq this month, Payne extends an invitation to veterans' families to pick up coats for them.

"It's a special touch this year," he said.