Local residents lined up outside Anderson High School for the 24th annual Coats for Caring event.
Volunteers from Anderson Community Hospital and the Interact program of the Anderson Rotary Club Saturday helped distribute 1,100 coats, gloves and scarves to families as winter weather approaches.
Keith Trent helped organize the first event and didn't know at the time how long the program would continue.
“We started at the cafeteria of the hospital and moved to several locations over the years,” Trent said. “I don't know how many coats we've distributed over the years, but it has to be in excess of 20,000.”
Trent said Best Way Cleaners has cleaned for free any gently worn coats that people donate.
Tom Bannon, vice president of the Community Hospital Foundation, said Saturday was one day when he clearly could see an impact in the community.
“What we've found is when its cold we get more people,” Bannon said. “What I always tell people is, if we provide one person with the warmth they need, we've accomplished our goal.”
He said Interact students volunteered to fill the orders of the people waiting for warm clothing.
Bannon said one year during the event at the Wigwam, there was a young boy who was amazed at the size of the gymnasium, but after trying on a coat, simply said, "Now I'll be warm for the winter."
“This is an amazing program,” Bannon said.
Leanne Sylvia, a senior at Anderson High School, has volunteered for two years.
“I love helping people and volunteering and to see people smile,” she said. “This is my favorite event because I get to see people smile when they get jacket.”
Sylvia said she has thought frequently about how the program helps families in Anderson.
Tyler Scover, a freshman at Anderson High School, was volunteering for the first time helping distribute coats.
“My sister is a senior, and she convinced me to join Interact,” he said. “I think this will help a lot of people get through the winter when it's cold.”
Tameria Johnson was getting coats for four children.
“This program is real important to help make ends meet,” she said. “Sometimes you have to choose between food and clothing the kids.”
Johnson said it was her first time taking part in Coats of Caring.
Angel Rodriquez said he was picking up coats for six people, including several children.
“This is very important,” he said. “We just came back from Florida and didn't expect this help. This helps out a little bit.”
Joshua Woods was picking up coats for his three children and his ex-wife.
“This is going to save me a lot of money and hassle,” he said, “because even with the job I work, I don't make enough money to pay for everything.”
Woods said he was surprised the program has been going on for 24 years.
This article appeared in The Herald Bulletin.