Salvation Army's coat giveaway prepares families for winter

The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester is working to make sure kids stay warm this winter.

The Salvation Army hosted its annual Coats For Kids event on Wednesday, handing out more than 350 free winter coats to families in need.

Members say the Salvation Army raises money throughout the year to buy those coats.

Their collection is supplemented thanks to clothing drives held by companies like Merril Lynch.

"We see, whether it's the parents or the kids, especially when they get to come pick out their own, the smiles on their face," said Major Rick Starkey, director of county operations of the Salvation Army of Greater Rochester. "And [it's great] knowing that we've helped."