POCKETS OF NEED; part of an occasional series focusing on issues of hunger and financial need in South Brunswick.
By: Sharlee Joy DiMenichi
People fleeing potentially lethal attacks at the hands of spouses or lovers must often leave with little more than the clothes they are wearing.
To help keep women and children who have survived domestic violence warm in the winter, members of Six Mile Run Reformed Church on Route 27 in Franklin Park started the mitten tree 10 years ago.
Churchgoers hang donations of clothing, such as socks, scarves, caps and mittens on a tree in the sanctuary and the Rev. David Risseeuw, pastor of the church, delivers them to Woman Aware, a family violence shelter in New Brunswick.
The tradition began 10 years ago but the Rev. Risseeuw said he does not recall exactly who helped him start it.
The Rev. Risseeuw said he and members of the congregation were thinking of a way to help people in danger and they realized those leaving abusive homes leave behind many of their possessions.
"Often they go to shelters anyplace with not much in the way of clothes," the Rev. Risseeuw said.
The Rev. Risseeuw said the church contacted the shelter and the mitten tree was born.
"We were aware of that program and inquired whether these items would be useful," the Rev. Risseeuw said.
Over the years, mittens from the tree have warmed many hands and this Christmas was no different.
"I took a little over 200 pieces this time," the Rev. Risseeuw said.
The church has donated approximately 1,500 pieces of clothing over the last decade, the Rev. Risseeuw said.
Worshippers look forward to decorating the tree every Christmas, the Rev. Risseeuw said. "It’s become a holiday tradition at this congregation," he said.

