Overflow crowds for free dental, food, clothing

By KATU.com Staff Published: Sep 26, 2009 at 3:01 PM PST Last Updated: Sep 26, 2009 at 8:21 PM PST
Crowds in line for
Crowds stretched around a downtown Portland city block to get into Saturday's "Operation Overcoat" - giving away clothing, food and dental work to those in line. Courtesy Union Gospel Mission

PORTLAND, Ore. - Union Gospel Mission served a larger-than-expected crowd Saturday at its "Operation Overcoat" clothing giveaway a free barbecue. Lines stretched around the block by the Mission's 3 N.W. Third Ave. building in downtown Portland.

The line held for several hours as homeless and those in need waited to enter the event for free clothing and food. Operation Overcoat also featured free dental care from Medical Teams International Dental Van, live music and dance.

Thousands of articles of clothing were distributed and more than 1,400 barbecue meals were served over the course of the four hour event.