Breda Euken searches through the racks for coats her three sons Thursday at the Salvation Army. (DAILY RECORD / SUNDAY NEWS -- JASON PLOTKIN )
Before Barbara Sullivan was in a car crash in January, she had donated items to the Salvation Army.

But since the crash, life has been difficult, said Sullivan, a 35-year-old mother of three and full-time Harrisburg Area Community College student.

On Thursday, she came to the Salvation Army in York for some assistance.

The Christmas Cheer Distribution, which is a coat distribution and toy giveaway for children, started Monday and runs until Friday.

Sullivan had been looking for work for months and recently started working part-time at a diner.

"It's a great opportunity, in light of the economy," she said of the distribution.

People can also sign up for a food box, which includes enough food for a meal, including a turkey, milk and toys, said George Lenkner, Salvation Army business manager. They will be distributed Dec. 21 and 22.

Even though the event started 9 a.m. Thursday, about 75 people were still sitting on chairs waiting for assistance as of 11:30 a.m.

Beatrice Medina, 34, of York, a single mother of four children, said she moved from Lancaster to York shortly before being laid off from a hotel "thinking there were more job opportunities" in York. She's been looking for a job for 6 months.

Lenkner said he is seeing "a lot of new families" seeking help this year.

He said the economy might be playing a role but isn't sure. According to the most recent figures, 1,352 coats have been distributed, he said. About 2,000 families are helped each year, Lenkner said.

"We're prepared to serve as many that sign up. We don't want to turn anyone away," he said.

DISTRIBUTION

The Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Distribution continues Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m and 1 to 4 p.m. at 124 S. Duke St. in York.