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STEUBENVILLE -- The Sycamore Youth Center will be helping some children stay toasty this Christmas season through its winter clothes giveaway, Operation Warm, on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the center's first floor.
About 130 coats, just as many pairs of shoes and more than 100 backpacks -- all brand-new -- will be given away to kids during the two timeframes on a first-come-first-served basis. Kids will be able to receive one of each of the three item categories, with shoe and coat sizes being for kids ages 10 and under.
Bobbyjon Bauman, director of the Sycamore Youth Center, said, "I decided that it would be a blessing to bring coats and shoes to students in need in our area, so I decided to apply for a grant to meet that need."
Sycamore's giveaway is part of efforts by the national nonprofit Operation Warm, which has served more than 5 million children with new winter clothes during the past 25 years. Operation Warm is funded by the Administration for Children and Families grant program and partnered with the Ohio Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
"Fortunately, we were chosen to receive the grant this year and are truly looking forward to helping out needy families in our area," Bauman said.
Michelle Clum, programming coordinator at the youth center, said the giveaway will be important as winter temperatures dip.
"Right now, with the economy being so uncertain, it's really important for everyone to stay warm and get new jackets," Clum said.
Sycamore's first Operation Warm giveaway will take place in the center's first-floor foyer. At the same time, another Sycamore program known as Santa's Lil Wrappers will be occurring in the center's Friendship Hall in the basement.
Santa's Lil Wrappers is a youth-organized gift-wrapping business, operated by Sycamore's three Young Entrepreneurs class participants, who will wrap patrons' Christmas gifts -- a minimum of four packages -- for a donation. The event will feature a drawing and concessions, Clum said, recommending that anyone who attends Operation Warm should also stop by Santa's Lil Wrappers.
Clum said the youth center is seeking volunteers to help distribute coats for Operation Warm. Those interested should email michelleclum@gmail.com
"It's the time of year to give," Clum said, inviting individuals to volunteer with their friends and family. "Helping others is really what brings us together in the community."
Programming director since July, Clum recently organized the youth center's Old-Fashioned Country Christmas, which featured local talent for a Christmas variety show.
As programming coordinator, Clum plans events for the youth center, including the recent summer camps and after-school programs in the fall and spring.
"There's always something going on at the Sycamore Center; there's always something different."