A group of youths from the YMCA of San Benito County raised $156
in a penny drive that went toward 12 sleeping bags and other
clothing needs for area homeless residents, who received the gifts
Tuesday.
”
We figured instead of doing it for operational costs,
”
said Homeless Shelter Manager Cindy Parr, of the donation,
”
we’d do something special for these guys.
”
A group of youths from the YMCA of San Benito County raised $156 in a penny drive that went toward 12 sleeping bags and other clothing needs for area homeless residents, who received the gifts Tuesday.
“We figured instead of doing it for operational costs,” said Homeless Shelter Manager Cindy Parr, of the donation, “we’d do something special for these guys.”
Residents lined up next to the homeless shelter’s truck to receive the sleeping bags, while volunteers and staff members were on hand to distribute them. There was plenty of gratitude from the homeless residents as they received their sleeping bags.
“They’re going to keep you warm,” Parr told the recipients.
Said homeless resident Jennifer Coulter: “It’s for the warmth, to keep us dry. I really appreciate it.”
Parr also noted how the homeless shelter staff plans to do a tent drive in the coming weeks as well. Big 5, meanwhile, gave a 10 percent discount for the sleeping bags, Parr said.
