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Salvation Army Giving Away Free Coats For Kids

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Every child in the Twin Cities Thursday was entitled to a free coat, hat and gloves.

It was all because of Coats for Kids, a Salvation Army program going on all day at 11 metro locations.

Phillip Haraway waited in line with hundreds of others at the north Minneapolis Salvation Army location to get a coat for his 4-year-old child.

"This has helped me in all kind of ways," he said. "It puts something on my son's back and also puts money in my pocket for food."

Angela Miles also waited in line, picking up items for eight children.

The coats are free, but she says she'll pay it back.

"It helps every year," she said.

Organizers say it's helpful to provide something that people won't have to spend time and money worrying about ahead of Minnesota's notoriously frigid winter.

'It's just a relief," said social worker Emily Shopek.

There are 11 Salvation Army locations across the metro. If you'd like to get a coat for a child, you'll need a piece of mail to prove you live in the area and a medical card to prove you're buying for a child. To learn more about Coats for Kids, including how to donate, click here.

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