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Posted: 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012
JEWETT, Ohio —
The Christmas Clothes Closet in Jewett saw a record drop in the number of families coming in for help this season. Volunteers said they usually see nearly 2,000 people, but this year the crowds only reached a fraction of that.
"I would say right around 300 people come through this year. That's a big drop from last year," said founder Kelly Bozeman. "I guess in a way that's pretty good. That means the economy's coming up. We're starting to see more jobs, (and) that would be good."
Hundreds of toys, clothes and other items were available for the next giveaway, and volunteers packed about 300 boxes of shoes and winter clothes -- all going to needy families.
Bozeman said some people who come through appreciate what the organization does while others feel differently.
"We have people that have gone to other organizations after they've been here, saying that we haven't helped them, which that really upset me because we don't turn anybody away," said Bozeman.
Volunteers said they help anyone who comes through their doors year-round.
"The parents that come in that feel bad because they have to come here, and I don't want anybody to feel bad because they come to us. That's what we're here for," said Bozeman.
After the Christmas holiday, they plan to hold an Easter giveaway for summer clothes.
Next year, organizers said, they may have to limit the number of toys to each family to make sure everyone gets a gift.
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