Salvation Army giveaway warms up area youths

The pink one or the polka-dot one? The camouflage one or the plaid-striped one? Decisions, decisions.

Hundreds of Central Valley youths had big decisions to make Saturday morning when picking out their new winter coats at the Salvation Army Coats for Kidz giveaway. The annual event handed out close to 1,000 coats to area children in need.

“It feels great getting a new jacket,” said 9-year-old Modesto fourth-grader Maria Lemus as she tried on different coats. She came with her mother and two siblings, who all left with new winter jackets and smiles.

The line for coats stretched around the block outside the Salvation Army’s Citadel Corps community center in downtown Modesto. This year, instead of asking for new and used coat donations, the charitable group collected money and bought new outerwear to give out. They also had assorted socks, undergarments, scarves, gloves and other accessories to pick from for youths up to age 18.

Each family was paired with a volunteer personal shopper, who helped them navigate the racks and collect the items they needed. Despite the long queue, families moved through quickly with the largest sticking point usually being youthful indecision.

But there was no question about what the giveaway meant to the families of recipients.

“This is a benefit and a blessing,” said Modesto resident Robert Edmonds, who came with his wife and two children. “We’re not set financially, so for us to be able to come here and get jackets is just wonderful.”

The family has been coming to the giveaway for the past five years, and Edmonds said without it his children probably would not be able to have new coats each year. Edmonds said they try to give back for the help they receive and that his wife regularly volunteers at the Salvation Army.

For the more than 35 volunteers helping and serving as personal shoppers, the event is something most look forward to year after year.

“It’s a good time, and you feel good when it’s done,” said Salvation Army advisory board member Kathy Jepson. “You’re exhausted, but in a good way.”

Those volunteers better rest up because the holiday season means more giveaways from the Salvation Army. The organization is seeking donations of new toys and food for its annual Christmas program. Items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at the downtown Citadel Corps. Needy families must sign up and qualify for the program. The food and toys will be distributed Dec. 12 at the Modesto Junior College West Campus.

This story was originally published November 7, 2015 at 4:17 PM with the headline "Salvation Army giveaway warms up area youths."