Union Gospel Mission seeks clothing, food for “Operation Overcoat”

Local need persists as colder weather approaches 

Portland, OR- Union Gospel Mission is seeking clothing and food for “Operation Overcoat” a street fair that will take place on Saturday, September 30 on the street in front of the Union Gospel Mission at 15 NW Third Ave.

At Operation Overcoat, homeless and needy people will receive clothing, a barbeque meal, and enjoy a day of music. Northwest Medical Teams mobile dental van will also be at the event to provide dental care. This is one of the largest annual events hosted by Union Gospel Mission, as many as 2,000 have been served at previous Operation Overcoat events.

"Hundreds of very poor people in Portland look forward to this event every year because it meets essential needs for warm quality clothing. These are not niceties, they are necessities ." said Bill Russell, Union Gospel Mission Executive Director.

Union Gospel Mission is collecting all types of clothing for men, women and children. A special need is new underwear. Clothing collection barrels are in place at all greater Portland area Christian Supply stores and at Gresham Ford. Union Gospel Mission is seeking donations of 1,200 hamburger patties and 1,200 hot dogs for the free meal provided at the event. For more information contact Union Gospel Mission at 503-274-4483, or donations can be made securely online at www.ugmportland.org

About Union Gospel Mission: Union Gospel Mission has been “feeding the hungry and restoring the addict” since 1927. Union Gospel Mission provides meals for the homeless and needy and operates LifeChange, a long-term addiction recovery community. In LifeChange, residents live and work at Union Gospel Mission for four years and learn to overcome addiction and build new lives. For more information about Union Gospel Mission and LifeChange contact 503-274-4483, or visit online at www.ugmportland.org.