TOLEDO, Ohio —
Northwest Ohioans broke out their winter coats and gloves for the first snowfall of the season on Thursday. But for some, it's more of a challenge to stay warm.
Open Arms Transformation Living and other organizations came together on Thursday for the Threads of Love clothing drive to make sure people have essentials for the cold temperatures.
"We wanted to make sure we had a place for people to come get coats, hats, gloves, some hygiene products, some food," said Cheyenne Nawrot, Toledo-Lucas County Health Department minority health program coordinator. "Hopefully get them through this season and then through the next couple of weeks."
More than 300 people showed up to the event at the Mercy Health Medical Center on Franklin Avenue. Although not everyone was able to get a coat, Nawrot said everyone was able to leave with some sort of winter apparel.
Nawrot said she did not expect to see a line wrapping around the hallway and out the door of people hoping to get some warm clothes.
"I don't think I quite anticipated how much people truly do need things like this," she said. "I think we were a little surprised with the number, actually."
Getting coats and gloves can be difficult for some, especially those with young kids who are constantly growing just as much as prices are.
"Every year, different sizes," clothing drive attendee Stephanie McNeal said. "And they cost. Every year they go up."
McNeal said she was there to get coats for her grandchildren. She said their moms work hard, but they still need a little help.
Attendees Krissy Hawkins and Adrianna Swan were also there to get clothes for kids and grandchildren.
The coats aren't the only source of warmth for those who showed up. Hawkins said she made friends in line and that having a sense of community during hard times is helpful.
"It feels good because sometimes it can be embarrassing that you can't afford to do for yourself, so this really makes you feel welcome," she said.
Swan said she is currently staying at a homeless shelter, but just found out she is getting housing.
"This is just a resource I saw on the news," Swan said. "I just feel like it's bringing the community together and I'm grateful."
Hawkins said having access to resources like the coat drive is helping herself and others, especially as the holidays approach.
"It's been a blessing," Hawkins said. "This is a really hard time for a lot of people."
Nawrot said that based on the need seen today, the organizations are hoping to do another drive in a few months.