For the past 16 months, Donald Thurston has been homeless.

"It's a lot of challenges," said Thurston. "Just living day by day is hard."

Thanks to Community Outreach Group, Thurston will now have extra clothes to protect him from the winter elements.

"It's hard to get clothes," said Thurston. "This is a good thing they are doing here."

On Friday, the non-profit invited Thurston and the other men of St. Patrick's Haven to get first dibs on donations at their annual clothing drive at St. Paul Center.

"To help those in most need is certainly our biggest priority," said Community Outreach Group president Tim Nowakowski. "That's why we invite folks in today, from the homeless shelters to give what we call a first selection invitation event."

On Saturday, everyone in the community is invited.

Families can grab free clothes, jackets, shoes, and toys.

"One of our co-founders said it best," said Nowakowski. "We can't fathom enjoying our Christmas holiday until we do something for those who are in need, our neighbors."

The distribution drive runs on Saturday, December 3, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the St. Paul Center on West 16th and Walnut Streets.

This story is supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.