What began as a simple post on a neighborhood “Nextdoor” app quickly grew into an outpouring of kindness and generosity, all in support of Lighthouse. Patrice McDonald Rowbal and her husband, Alan, pulled up to Lighthouse headquarters in Pontiac with two trunks full of donations February 5th — the result of an overwhelming response to a coat drive Patrice launched on the Nextdoor.
Patrice, a Troy resident and dedicated Lighthouse volunteer, never expected the coat drive to grow so quickly. Inspired by the need she witnessed while volunteering, she turned to Nextdoor, a neighborhood-based social media platform, to ask for donations.
“I challenged my neighbors to a coat drive for Lighthouse,” Patrice said. “Through the app, I was able to harness all the positive energy and generosity that’s out there waiting to be unleashed.”
Her neighbors responded in a big way. When Patrice and Alan arrived at Lighthouse, their vehicles were packed with 50+ winter coats, bags of hats, mittens, and scarves, boxes of boots, women’s sweaters and pajamas, personal hygiene products and handmade teddy bears.
It was more than just clothing — it was a powerful act of kindness that brought a neighborhood together.
“Sometimes people want to help but don’t know where to begin; the need seems overwhelming,” Patrice explained. “I figured if I could focus on one thing — warm winter outerwear — it would make it easier for people to get involved.”
The story even made the news. Click the video player below to watch a report from WXYZ-TV.
One neighbor summed up the spirit of the movement perfectly:
“I am thankful for the clothes on my back, food, and a warm house. Not everyone is so lucky. Thanks for doing what you are doing !”
Here at Lighthouse, we’re building equitable communities that alleviate poverty by helping individuals and families in a variety of ways. Our programs provide food, shelter, financial assistance, and long-term support to help people become self-sufficient.
The coats will help many families as they face Michigan’s harsh winter weather. And while Patrice’s Nextdoor post was the spark, it was the collective generosity of the community that made this effort such a success.
“Nextdoor was the vehicle. The people were the power,” Patrice said. “It shows what a community can do when folks focus and come together to help others.”
On behalf of all of us Lighthouse, we are truly grateful. If you’d like to help out, visit lighthousemi.org.
