Sapulpa woman helping mend coats intended for Giles' 'Coats for Kids' drive

Wednesday, December 18th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

As the weather cools down, not everyone can afford to stay warm this holiday season. One Sapulpa woman trying to change that is joining forces with the News on Six Jim Giles Coats for Kids drive.

As News on Six reporter Heather Johnson shows us, she's really taking a hands on approach. Ever since she can remember, Hazel Ellis has loved to sew. For 30 years, she took up a needle and thread to bring home a paycheck.

Now retired, Ellis puts her fingers to work to help others. "I enjoy sewing and it makes me feel great to be able to do something." Ellis takes into her home donated coats that need a little extra care before being handed over to a child. â€œI feel like this is my way to give back to the community and share my god given talent that he's given me all these years."

Since word of Ellis' efforts has gotten out, the donation bin here at the cleaners that fuels her good deeds is overflowing with support. Glennal Shook with Renwood Cleaners, â€œwe've had about 300 coats, mores coming in every day. It's a short period of time we collect them so we need to get em in here as soon as we can.â€

Ellis, who's volunteered her time for more than a decade, says she'll mend tears and replace zippers as long as the community continues to give. â€œAs long as I can. I love it, so as long as I can do it. Because keeping Green Country's children warm, warms her heart.

If you'd like to help out you can drop off coats at the Renwood Cleaners in Sapulpa or at any Yale Cleaners location in Tulsa.

You can also call Catholic Charities for more information. That number is 585-8167.