With the holidays and cold winter months just around the corner, the need is great in the Metro. Local charities are helping to ease the burden on low-income families and are asking Omahans to lend a hand.
"There is a great need here," said Gail Micek, Chairperson of the Coat Giveway at St. Vincent de Paul.
Lines were wrapped around the street at St. Vincent de Paul early Saturday morning, as the thrift store prepared to provide over 5,000 coats as part of their annual coat giveaway.
"It's one of the things that we like to do to help the community. And we hope that everybody gets a coat and keeps warm this winter,” said Micek.
St. Vincent has been stocking up on coats, gloves, hats and scarves since early spring. Now, their hard work is paying off.
"We've had kids come up and hug us and thank us…And that's what melts your heart; it really makes you feel good that you're doing something for the community," said Micek.
A few miles away, long lines could be seen at the open door mission as, one by one, volunteers took down information for over 5,000 families needing a thanksgiving meal.
"Close to 70% of those who are registered are actually working out in the community, but their income isn't quite enough to be able to stretch during the holidays and do something like a Thanksgiving meal in their own home, so we're happy to provide that," said Victoria Leuthold, Development Director of the Open Door Mission.
It's an event that Lynn Walker is thankful for each year.
"You get turkey, you get mashed potatoes, you get yams, you get all kinds of canned goods, you get a lot. Everything you want for a nice Thanksgiving meal," said Walker.
St. Vincent's and the Open Door stress that this event is just the beginning of meeting the needs in Omaha this holiday season.
"I encourage you to stop by your local outreach center and drop off either a turkey, fixings or you can…make a donation online as well," said Leuthold.
"Keep donating. That's all I can say," said Micek.
Here is a list of some of the charities that can use donations this holiday season:
