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People sorted through tables piled high with blankets, scarves, coats and more on the first day of a blanket drive giveaway, Monday, in Penticton.
This holiday season marks the fifth year of the Cover with Kindness drive, and organizer Greg Litwin said it's the best yet.
"I see the generosity of the community grow every year," he said. "I just think the bigger the better, so more people benefit."
Litwin, a notary public, was spurred to start the drive after working at the Soupateria for a number of years and seeing similar efforts meet with success in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
He also found that blankets could be expensive, even at the Salvation Army.
"Realistically even on our board of directors for the Soupateria, we've seen food costs jump 30 per cent and utilities rise, so I can only imagine what it's like for those in need," he said. "So I took my idea to the board, and we said that's what we will do."
To make it happen the call goes out in November and people drop off donations at Litwin's office on Main Street.
On the December giveaway days, a big group of volunteers man the tables laden with blankets, warm clothing, shoes and socks.
Anything left over goes to charities including Discovery House, Compass House, Unity House, Transition House, Cold Snap Inn and the Native Friendship Centre.
A Penticton resident trying on shoes, said the giveaway helps at this time of year.
"There aren't that many resources in Penticton, and it can be a struggle for people in need," he said. "This makes a difference at Christmas time."
The Cover with Kindness giveaway will continue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in the parish hall at St. Saviour's Anglican Church on Orchard Avenue, adjacent to the soup kitchen.
