Hundreds receive free coats

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Hundreds of people lined up Saturday morning at the Lafayette Savation Army in the cold, hoping for help to stay warm this winter. 

"The last few weeks we've been out collecting coats," said Salvation Army Major Jim Irvine. "We've received over 1,600 coats from the public. It's just been amazing to see people pour in their generosity."

"Thank God for the Salvation Army for having the patience and time to collect these things for people at this time of the year," said Deborah Tate, who lives in Lafayette and attended the distribution on Saturday.

"I thought we were only going to get coats," said 12-year-old Deanna High. "It blew my mind when I walked through the doors and i saw clothes, boots and shoes, too."

"It's West Lafayette. Best place.  Best people," added 12-year-old Damian High.

"There are so many people out of jobs right now," Tate said. "They need the clothing.  This is very important.  I thank God all the time for a city that helps people out."

"The need is so great and to be able to put  a coat on a child is just a wonderful thing this community can get behind," Irvine said.