Hundreds of people in need have picked up winter coats on the Rhode Island Statehouse lawn during the state's annual "Buy Nothing Day" on Black Friday.
Event spokesman Greg Gerritt says the goal of the 19th annual winter coat exchange is to provide warm coats to those who need them and highlight the negative effects of consumerism.
He says he was amazed at the generosity of the donors and volunteers.
Mary Baker, of Johnston, donated a car trunk full of coats. She says she wanted to give to others on Black Friday instead of shopping.
Amanda Bruscini, of Providence, says she went to the exchange to find winter coats for her two daughters. She says she can't afford coats in the mall.
Coats were given away at sites throughout the state.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
