MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As temperatures continue to fluctuate across Middle Tennessee, colder weather is expected to settle in as December approaches. With that shift comes a reminder of the thousands of local residents—including many schoolchildren—who lack a warm winter coat. For families unable to afford proper winter clothing, a simple coat can make all the difference. Barnabas Vision, a Murfreesboro-based nonprofit, is once again stepping in to help by collecting and distributing new and gently used coats to those in need.
PICK-UP COATS: Each year, the organization provides coats at no cost and asks no questions of recipients, ensuring that anyone who needs warmth can receive it with dignity. Ansley Ledbetter with Barnabas Vision told WGNS their first major coat giveaway is coming up... Those needing a coat may pick one up on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, between 9:30 AM and 12:00 PM at Barnabas Vision. If someone cannot attend on the 25th—or needs a coat sooner—they may call the office at 615-556-5134 for assistance.
DONATE COATS: Coat donations are still needed, especially in the categories that tend to run out fastest. While Barnabas Vision currently has plenty of women’s coats, there remains a high demand for larger men’s coats and children’s coats... Residents who wish to donate a coat or funds for coats are encouraged to drop off new or gently used coats as soon as possible...
NEW / GENTLY USED: The organization asks donors to avoid bringing torn or heavily worn coats, as these may fail to keep recipients adequately warm—particularly those who may walk to work, wait at bus stops, or live outdoors. Coats can be dropped off at Barnabas Vision, 141 MTCS Road, Murfreesboro, Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 4 PM and Fridays from 8 AM to 12 PM. Their office can be reached at 615-556-5134, and more details are available at TheBarnabasVision.org.
FAMILY CHRISTMAS SPONSORS NEEDED: In addition to the winter coat drive, Barnabas Vision is preparing for its annual Christmas Sponsorship Program, which benefits local families across Rutherford County. Unlike many holiday programs, Barnabas Vision matches sponsors with entire families—often including multiple children within single or two-parent households...
Sponsoring a family provides an opportunity for parents to involve their own children in the spirit of giving by shopping together and selecting gifts for another family in need. Currently, the number of families requesting assistance exceeds the number of available sponsors. But, as Ledbetter shared with WGNS...
More sponsors—whether individuals, churches, small groups, civic groups, or community organizations—would allow the nonprofit to move families off the waiting list and ensure more local children experience the joy of Christmas. Those interested in sponsoring a family can visit TheBarnabasVision.org, scroll down and click the Christmas Sponsor "Sign-Up" button, and complete the online Google Document form... Shortly after you fill-out the form, Maria Coggin from Barnabas Vision will call, text or email you the needed details.
