Monthly Archives: March 2018

By Alex Cash Staff Writer “How can we help those in the community, who are cold, find warmth?” With a simple question asked, Reverend Kerry Taylor-Snyder of First Congregational Church UCC Jackson began what he calls the “Warming Board” outside his church in downtown Jackson. Taylor-Snyder said the idea was inspired by a project in Boston in which people wrapped scarves around tree trunks to aid those who are homeless or out in the cold. Loving the idea, he wanted to apply it to his own community. To change the project to better suit Jackson, Taylor-Snyder decided to use the church’s historic sign facing North Jackson Street to make items available. Plastic bags have helped to keep the items dry, as they are kept outside, and simple clothes pins hold them to the board. At first only hats, gloves, and scarves were being given. Then someone in his congregation decided to add socks to keep peoples’ feet warm. Soon, the idea expanded to coats. The idea was announced to the church’s board of trustees and to the congregation at large. At this time, Taylor-Snyder says items began pouring in. As the story of the Warming Board was shared on social…