People’s City Mission hands out hundreds of coats within hours after Channel 8 Coat Drive

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – After reaching a record number, the coats donated during the Channel 8 Coat Drive on Thursday were delivered to the People’s City Mission Help Center so they could reach those who need them most.

Kimberlee Lyberger is a volunteer with the mission.

“We’re going through stuff; we’re putting stuff out,” she said about helping receive the 2,600 delivered early Friday morning.

SEE ALSO: Donations surpass last year’s numbers at second annual Channel 8 Coat Drive

“People get here really early in the morning,” said Lyberger, referring to the rest of the PCM volunteers.

“They’re organizing it, sizing it, and making sure people have access to what they need and that they can get it readily,” she said, adding, “We get really nice donations; our donors are very generous.”

By noon, the help center had distributed at least 300 coats, all at no cost.

The director told Channel 8 that each person who comes in has an allotted time to collect their items.

Stock levels determine the amount given on any given day, and for the coats, each person was allowed to take two.

Guest Ning Hau selected items based on her favorite colors.

“I like blue and green. My favorite color is blue,” she said.

Hau says she’s not only thankful for how they look, “because I need a coat. It’s cold outside, and today, it’s chilly.”

Volunteers on site shared stories of even more people touched by the donations, describing those who live out of their cars and use the coats to keep warm.

Also, guests without cars can take their items home using the trolleys they bring on board.

“Nothing gets you more in the Christmas spirit than to be able to do this; being able to give to people who are truly in need, ” said Lyberger.

“Oftentimes we have a Christmas tree full of presents… stuff we don’t even really need, and here, we can fulfil a basic need for some people to stay warm,” she said.