Hundreds line up for Galilee Center giveaway

it was a busy day at the Galilee Center as hundreds of families gathered for the annual shoe giveaway. Families lined up for a chance to get their children a new pair of shoes and a warm blanket.

“We actually come out here every year just to help with the families with shoes. Even though we’re both parents are working, it is still difficult to get new shoes for all three boys. They go through them really quickly,” said Elizabeth Lemus from Thermal.

Lemus said the annual giveaway is important to so many.

“It helps right after the holidays, not a lot of times you can get them shoes. And they’re growing boys, and any extra help is helpful,” Lemus said.

Gloria Gomez is the founder of the Galilee Center. She said this is the seventh year they’ve done this giveaway.

“It’s been a blessing because of the donations donated to us. And that’s how were able to buy the shoes,” Gomez said.

She’d expected around 1,500 people to walk through her doors Sunday. Gomez said even though the giveaway is over, the center can always use donations.

“We always need cash donations. But anything we can go and pick up, furniture, clothing, blankets, anything you can think of,” Gomez said.