111 Project Blog 2/20/24 - Clothing Closet serves over 2,000 Tulsa County children

His Littlest Blessings Clothing Ministry helps children, families who need clothes

BROKEN ARROW – Hats, gloves, and scarves are just a few of the items on hand for students at Boevers Elementary School. Unfortunately, supplies ran out and eight children, new to America and from tropical countries, were experiencing their first Oklahoma winter with nothing.  

His Littlest Blessings Clothing Ministry Founder Coleen McAlister, lovingly known as Miss Coleen, saw the CarePortal request and dropped off 10 coats, six hats, and 10 gloves to the school for these children in need.  

His Littlest Blessings started four and a half years ago after Miss Coleen heard a story on the news about police officers raiding their own children’s closets to give clothes to children they removed from an unsafe environment. She wanted to be an emergency-type clothing ministry and started her clothing closet in one room of her house.  

Miss Coleen started buying gently used clothes from garage sales, but when people heard of her ministry, they began donating and her clothing closet quickly grew out of the closet. Clothes have filled Miss Coleen’s house and she said she’d love to have a storage building in the backyard that she could turn into a little “store” for people to come shop. 

“I’ve really been pressing in prayer lately, asking God if this is what He wants for this little ministry,” she said. 

His Littlest Blessings is a 111Project Resource Partner that has served over 2,000 children. Through CarePortal, she’s met 171 requests and served 375 children.  

“It is a no-brainer to connect our network to Miss Coleen,” 111Project Church Engagement Director Dree Hogue said. “She is faithful to support and help anyone who comes to her, and she does it with sincere kindness. Making connections between agency partners, church partners, and resource partners is what makes the ecosystem of care a success!”   

Miss Coleen learned about CarePortal at Life.Church in 2020 and her ministry and reach grew. Not only was she giving out more clothes, but she was meeting more people and creating more relationships.  

CarePortal is a connection tool that creates a fast and effective way for agency partners to connect with local churches and community members who want to help.  

“CarePortal has been very beneficial to me and as a ministry,” Miss Coleen said. “It’s helped me as much as it’s allowed me to help others.”    

Claremore Methodist Church Point Person Chelsea Weeks has worked with His Littlest Blessings to meet a need and said Miss Coleen not only packed the bags full of clothes, but also made sure a toy was sticking out of the top so the child could feel seen.  

“Seeing her heart to serve others is so encouraging,” Weeks said. “Her passion is inspiring and makes me want to do more. Her willingness to provide items also creates an avenue for churches across the Tulsa Metro to serve these children and families in need.” 

Miss Coleen has also provided clothes for Weeks when she accepted foster children.  

“Asking for help is hard,” Weeks said. “When I accepted my foster child, I didn’t have time to go to the store. Ms. Coleen met me on my way home and provided two bags full of items. She is truly a blessing to everyone she encounters and is genuine in her compassion and love.” 

Not only is Miss Coleen providing clothes, but also building relationships with these mothers who need support by staying connected, continuing to pray, and sometimes baking cookies on birthdays.  

“The impact I see is the joy,” she said. “I was helping the kids, but when we help these kids, we help their mommas too.”