For Megan Howard, the past year has been tough.

"I have four little kids and I'm starting over with nothing," said Howard. "A whole brand-new life."

Howard, and hundreds of other parents and children gathered in the St. Paul Center for the Community Outreach Group's annual clothing drive.

From clothes and jackets, to shoes and toys---everything is free.

"We were created out of love," said Community Outreach Group President Tim Nowakowski. "We're created for love and we are here to take care of each other and that's all we're trying to do."

The event aims to help out many families in our community who are struggling.

"Everybody is struggling," said Howard. "Life is hard. Inflation is ruining us. I mean, you can't put enough gas in your car. How are you going to buy a coat? If not the parents, the kids absolutely deserve what they are doing here today."

The distribution also provides Christmas gifts for families who may not have been able to otherwise.

"Thank you to St. Paul's for doing this and organizing it all and everybody that was involved in it," said Howard. "We got toys for each of our kids. It's another extra gift for Christmas, so God bless."

This story is supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.