Youth coats still needed for giveaway

The Magic City Snow Angels has seen a huge demand during its winter clothing and bedding giveaway that concludes today.

The organization is grateful to everyone who donated, but a need still remains for winter outerwear in sizes for school-age boys and girls, organizer Jessica Armstrong said Saturday. That includes coats, boots, hats and mittens. The operation has a good supply of adult coats.

The organization's site at I.F. LeFleur & Son, 3101 Burdick Expy. E, will be open today from noon to 6 p.m. to both accept donations and continue giving away winter clothing. People can contact Armstrong at 721-7486 for more information.

Magic City Snow Angels had been collecting items for the past month and began the giveaway on Friday.

The organization is creating a list of people who need the boys' and girls' coats that it doesn't have available. It also has referred people to the Salvation Army, which conducted its winter coat giveaway Saturday.

Michelle Bussard, social services director for the Salvation Army in Minot, didn't have a count Saturday of how many coats were dispersed but said there were coats left over from among more than 400 collected. Last year, the Salvation Army gave away 444 coats.

Although its giveaway event has ended, the Salvation Army provides coats year-round to people in need. Depending on circumstances, people may be eligible for vouchers for free or reduced price coats at the Salvation Army thrift store.

Armstrong said items left over after the Snow Angels event today will be donated to the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, homeless shelter and the Salvation Army and other thrift stores that provide vouchers for needy clients.

People affected by the flood have been appreciative of the donations, said Snow Angels volunteer Mary Barker. A young girl who lost all her clothes in the flood was able to pick out a new winter wardrobe. A man who volunteers his time and snowblower to help his neighborhood was able to obtain the winter wear needed to continue that service, she said.

Volunteers from Minot Air Force Base have been assisting with the giveaway operation. The event includes the sale of sloppy joes and baked goods, with proceeds going to buy additional winterwear.