Kids embrace new, warm coats

A khaki, fleece-lined jacket in one hand and a black button-up in the other, Gabriel Pippin, 8, was all smiles Wednesday.

"They're both so nice, I don't know which to choose," he said.

Gabriel was one of hundreds of Yuba-Sutter residents to pick out new outerwear at the Salvation Army's annual Coats for Kids giveaway. The tan one eventually won in his decision-making, and his brother, Christopher Pippin, 6, chose an oversized, puffy, navy blue jacket that makes him look "just like Robert," their older brother.

The Salvation Army gave away more than 1,200 of the 3,200 coats it had collected from area residents, businesses and the agency's Sacramento headquarters, said Elias Galicia, director of social services. Four of them went to Christopher's and Gabriel's family.

Their grandmother, Earlene Tryial of Olivehurst, brought her three grandsons to the giveaway because she knew the boys needed new coats.

"My brown one is broken. It has a big hole right here," Christopher said, pointing to the back of a jacket he was holding.

"We in the poverty stage," Tryial added. "I knew when the Salvation Army gives away coats, they give away nice things. Just to see my grandkids smile makes it all worth it."

Many of those who stopped by for new jackets were badly in need of warmth, said volunteer Diane Christian.

"There were a few kids that came and we were like 'Get a jacket on that kid right now!'" she said.

Single mothers, homeless people and residents with multiple children were the type of people who came in search of jackets. A few residents arrived to drop off new jackets, pricetags still attached.

Galicia says he recognizes 80 percent of those who stopped by for coats because they often turn to the Salvation Army for food, rental assistance and Christmas presents.

Many of the volunteers were residents or graduates of the Depot, the Salvation Army's residential living program for residents battling homelessness and addiction.

"They gave us our life back so to be able to sit here and give back is a good feeling," said Lanay Stafford.