CENTURY, Fla. — Hundreds of kids in the Century went shopping for free. All they had to do was pick out what they wanted.
Several community outreach programs partnered with local businesses to hand out the coats. They call it, operation warm.
Gloria Williams is a grandmother of 10 Saturday, she was able to put six of them in brand-new coats.
“Today I brought four with me, but it’s two one was in practice, and the other one had to go someplace, but we got six coats,” Williams said.
“It meant the world to me, and it also meant the world to the kids that got them,” she added. “To get new stuff is a plus. Some of them get stuff that is given to them, it might be slightly used, but when they get it new, it’s joy.”
She is just one caregiver out of hundreds who put their kids in new coats.
Anderson Subaru donated more than 200 coats to hand out. They partnered with United Way of West Florida to take the shopping spree to those in need.
Anderson Subaru, in collaboration with Operation Warm, hosted its second annual coat giveaway, providing much-needed warmth to local families.
“This is our second year doing the movement with Operation Warm giving out coats,” Kayla Jennings, marketing and events coordinator for Anderson Subaru, said. “We were able to do it in the Century area last year, and there was a really heavy need for it, so we decided to do it again this year.”
Despite the warm temperatures, many families attended the event, eager to prepare for the colder months ahead.
Lauren Clark, vice president of philanthropy and communications for United Way of West Florida, highlighted the financial relief the event provides.
“We have seen families that get coats through us say, ‘Thank you for this, we’re able to spend funds on something else we need, something else that is vital,’” Clark said.
She says that in Florida, the cost of a coat can be difficult to justify for families with limited budgets, despite the occasional cold weather.
Several community outreach groups participated in the event.
United Way’s tax preparation program offered free tax filing assistance, while Legal Services of North Florida provided information on family law, employment, and public benefits.
The Arc Gateway also shared insights on identifying developmental, behavioral, and educational concerns early.
“Even the little food they gave out, the care that they showed, and the smiles the kids had on their faces, I know it is a plus and it’s needed,” Williams said.
For those in need of assistance, United Way’s help and referral hotline can be reached by calling 211. Additionally, their tax program continues to offer free tax filing services.
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