Valerie Jackson was looking for warmth. The 34-year-old mother of seven browsed racks of donated coats Tuesday at The Salvation Army as part of the Coats for Kids, etc. program.

"That's my electric bill," Jackson said as she found a purple Columbia jacket she thought might work for her daughter.

The family moved to La Crosse from Iowa last September. Her husband is a stay-at-home dad, and she works at APAC. Not having to purchase coats for the entire family this winter will help.

"With seven kids, you're going to struggle a bit - period," Jackson said.

Helping people struggle a little less is part of the goal of Coats for Kids, etc. Dozens of people showed up for the first distribution day at the Salvation Army. Many walked in wearing shorts and sandals and left carrying winter wear.

"It's odd, with today being such a warm day," said Major Curtiss Hartley, corps officer for the La Crosse Salvation Army. "We know the cold weather is coming. This is Wisconsin, after all."

Some of the items were new. Many of the hats, scarves and mittens were handmade by people specifically for Coats for Kids, etc.

"It's cool to see the effort

people go to to take care of their neighbors," Hartley said.

The donations either were dropped off at the Salvation Army or at area Kwik Trip stores. Last year, more than 1,000 coats were given away.

The Salvation Army also is accepting applications for its other Christmas assistance programs, including the Angel Giving Tree, Christmas food baskets and the La Crosse Jaycees' Toys for Tots program.

They've seen all kinds of people come in, said Salvation Army Volunteer Coordinator Laurie Duncan. Some are homeless. Some are working but still struggling.

"If people have a need, we want to help them in some way," Duncan said. "It's what we're here to do."