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Hundreds Line Up In The Cold For Glide's Grocery-Bag Giveaway In SF Tenderloin

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Hundreds in need were willing to wait in some very cold temperatures and long lines Wednesday morning for the annual grocery bag giveaway from Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco's Tenderloin.

Some brought roller-bags to carry away their goods - including Mildred Cole who waited for three hours. This year she's no longer homeless, but still in need.

"I could use it, yes. But I don't have to be here. I'm just here because I want to be here, because I'm used to coming to this," Cole said.

Each grocery bag's contents include fresh poultry (either chicken or turkey) rice, beans, veggies and pasta.

Rev. Cecil Williams said 5,500 free bags of groceries were distributed. "People need to have something that they can count on," he said. His church has been doing the holiday giveaway for decades.

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Hundreds Line Up In The Cold For Glide's Grocery-Bag Giveaway In SF Tenderloin

Spanish and Chinese language translators were on-hand for the many in line that don't speak English, as were volunteers by the busload. This year's contributors include SpotOn, Gap Inc., and Central Payment.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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