Coats for Kids drive held in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Winter is fast approaching and the temperatures will soon drop again.

There were rows and rows of colorful coats for the rows and rows of families who need them.

Children’s' faces lit up Saturday at the Salvation Army in Springfield when they picked out the perfect winter coat.

It was all part of the Coats for Kids Drive where more than 1,000 coats were given to families who were very grateful.

“It's very expensive and I'm not working so it's kind of hard so I really appreciate this help that I'm getting today,” Orian Noth told 22News.

It's just a sign of the times that things are still difficult and you can see by how long the line is that many families are in need of some help.

This year the Salvation Army gave out gently used coats to 300 more families than last year.

Ronda Ferreira said, “People are in need, times are tough and when you offer them something like winter coats for the whole family it means a lot. It means a lot for volunteers who come here and give up their time, it's just a rewarding experience.”

Families did have to wait in the long line and register.

Susan Morin said, “I came at 9, they didn't even open the doors until 10 but it only took an hour to come through the line which was good but if I had waited, the line is halfway down the street so I'm glad I got here at 9.

Although it may have been hard to wait, what was even harder was which coat to choose.

While the Coats for Kids Drive may be over there are still many other ways you can help and give to the Salvation Army.