YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The Youngstown Police Department partnered with Southside Recycling and Victoria’s Vision to give families in need winter clothes and other warming items on Saturday.

The event was in honor of Victoria Allen, who passed away in 2021. Allen dedicated her life to the community through events like this, and volunteers say it was her mission to help residents of Youngstown’s South Side.

“We help anybody that comes from whatever side of town, but the South Side is the one she wanted to make sure was given,” said Wanda Thomas, Victoria’s Visions volunteer.

Officers gave out coats, hats, gloves and even boots to families in need from the old fire station on South Avenue. Youngstown police officers also donated items for the giveaway.

“One of the more fulfilling ones that we do because we get to see the kids come in and get the hats and get the clothing and get what they need for winter,” said Jason Simon, with the Youngstown Police Department.

“It was very important to Vicki to make sure these children were taken care of. She was definitely a pioneer throughout Youngstown,” said volunteer Anika Jacobs.

Jacobs said several hundred coats were passed out within the first two hours, while the group even more clothing donations for the cause.

T.J. Renninger contributed to this report.