Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- Waiting in line for several hours, residents of Salt Lake City were given the opportunity to pick clothes, toys and food, which were given away free.
Jasmine Rodriguez, 21, looked through a pile of jeans to find a pair for herself, but she also needed something else.
"Just clothing for my kids basically," she said.
Times have been a little rough for the 21-year-old mother, who has been living at the Road Home shelter for the past week. But better days are ahead, she said.
On Sept. 8, Rodriguez will start a new job as a convenience store cashier. But for now, every bit helps.
"If I can't provide it on my own, there's options out there that can help me," she said.
The City Church of Sandy organized the event -- The Big Give -- at Pioneer Park Sunday afternoon, in an effort to help individuals in need.
In addition to the donated items, the church gave away $15,000 worth of new clothing.
The economy has hit a lot of folks really, really hard. So, for a lot of people, it's even getting clothes for their kids for school. As we approach winter, that's always tough.
–Pastor Chad Jacobson
"The economy has hit a lot of folks really, really hard. So, for a lot of people, it's even getting clothes for their kids for school," said Pastor Chad Jacobson. "As we approach winter, that's always tough."
Those who came to the church's event received two plastic bags to fill with whatever they needed. And for those in attendance, thank you was a common word.
"Thank you for giving away clothes," said 9-year-old Devin Case, who waited in line with his family.
Devin and his twin brother needed clothes for school. Their father said the rest of the family needed clothes too. They've spent the past two nights at the Road Home Shelter.
"I'm highly appreciative," said father Martin Case. "I'm happy that somebody's actually willing to do something like this."
Rodriguez is also grateful for the help.
"I think it's really helpful for people that can't afford it right now and people that are in need of stuff like this," she said. "I think it's a really good thing."
The City Church of Sandy hopes to have similar events once or twice a year in the future.
Email: syi@ksl.com
