Clean out a closet, help your neighbor

Want to make room in the closet for a new Christmas gift?

A bipartisan team of Charleston lawmakers is rounding up clothing donations for a New Year's Day giveaway for the homeless, veterans and others in need.

Reps. Wendell Gilliard and Chip Limehouse will join Sen. Robert Ford for their 10th annual giveaway at Meeting and Harris streets in Charleston.

The event will run, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and lunch will be offered.

To donate, contact Ford, Gilliard or Limehouse or drop off items on Jan. 1.

Ford, a Democrat, said the giveaway is a great way for people to start the year off right.

"We want Christians and religious people to get a sense of what being a Christian is about -- giving back to the community," Ford said.

Ford said he wants to generate enough donations to benefit 2,000 people.

Limehouse, a Republican, said the effort is an example of state leaders putting partisanship aside.

He said their event can be an example to Washington, D.C., where political gamesmanship has caused gridlock for much of the year.

Gilliard, a Democrat, said the charge to help those in need is as great now as it's ever been, especially as the economy continues to drag.

"We have to give more; we have to do more," Gilliard said.

The lawmakers are looking for donations of coats, pants, shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, hats, socks and shoes in both children's and adult's sizes. They are also asking for non-perishable food items and blankets.

Several groups, community organizations and churches are helping to coordinate the event.