People wait in line as early as 5am
Saturday, November 07, 2009 at 2:51 p.m.
Read more: Local, Economy, Community
QUINCY, ILL. -- It may not be cold yet, but Quincy residents waited in line as early as 5 am to pick out winter coats. Residents like Tamilia Pleasant...mother of three. She says due to the economy it can get very difficult to buy necessities for three children.
"I'm here to get jackets for my kids. They grow up way too fast, my kids need jackets," said Pleasant.
That's why Altrusa International of Quincy held its 14th annual coat giveaway. Members of this service organization collected more than 2,200 new and gently used coats of all sizes from Tri-State Community. Altrusa Co-Chairman Becky Hackamack says with a struggling economy this event couldn't have come at a better time.
"Altrusa wants to give back to the community. This is our way of giving back by helping any family, family member, or child. It doesn't matter your age or your income," Hackamack said.
The giveaway is definitely helping father of three Lance Aymond, especially with only one person working in the household.
"It's a big help. Kids need coats, things like this help out,"Aymond says.
And thanks to the generous support of the community. No one went home empty handed. The coat drive helped 870 families. 1,100 coats were given away, and 400 hats, gloves and scarves were given out as well.
Monday, nursing home residents will pick out what they need. Any leftover items will be taken to the Salvation Army.
