The Canton YWCA in partnering with Operation Warm and the Kent Chapter of the Links so children can weather the cold this winter.

Free new children’s coats, hats, scarves and gloves were made available Wednesday at the YWCA, 231 Sixth St. NE. Another giveaway is set for 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 7.

Free snacks, children’s books and 96 new pairs of sneakers were part of the effort.

“We knew a storm was coming and we had to act fast,” said Sandy Dyer, director of the YWCA’s Early Childhood Learning Center.

Dyer said the YWCA regularly assists its childcare center families and shelter residents, but this marks the first giveaway that includes the public.

“Our focus is on young children,” Dyer said. “The moment they (partners) reached out to me, I ran with it as quickly as possible. This was our opportunity to give back to the community. I’m so excited we can offer this at this time.”

YWCA CEO Shana Smith, noting that the snacks were donated by a local church, said she appreciates how local organizations are willing to collaborate.

“Just knowing we have partners is a blessing,” she said.

Samantha Stone-Burton, a newcomer to Canton from Philadelphia whose children are 7, 5 and 2, said she learned about the giveaway through Stephanie Patrick School where daughter, Ujimah, and son Shu-Kran are students.

“My daughter is good with keeping up with her things,” Stone-Burton said. ” I can send my son to school in a hoodie, gloves, a hat and a coat and maybe he’ll come with a coat wrapped around his waist. I bought him a new coat for Christmas and he lost it.”

As a result of visiting the YWCA, Stone-Burton is enrolling her youngest son, Buddha-Elohim, in the childcare program.

Dyer said the YWCA’s childcare program offers families more than most traditional centers.

“Our package includes food and mental health services,” she said. “We’re finding out we’re more than a just a child care center. It’s a relationship, so getting these costs before a storm is a blessing to me.”

To learn more contact the YWCA at https://www.ywcacanton.org/ or call 330-453-7644.