More than 3,500 coats and jackets were distributed to families and individuals by members of the Sikh community Saturday, Nov. 24, at the Larch Clover Community Center.

It was one of the largest giveaways of winter clothing in the 14-year history of the project, according to Mike Sandhu, founder and principal sponsor of the event that also includes Modesto and Stockton.

“The need for warm winter clothing is greater this year than we have ever experienced,” Sandhu said. “The number has been increasing every year.”

Some 20 volunteers handed out the coats and jackets along with socks and blankets to some 2,000 people at the community center, 11157 W. Larch Road, from the Tracy area and beyond.

Recipients of the clothing — families and individuals — waited in a long line outside the center.

The distribution, which began at 10 a.m., was scheduled to end at 2 p.m., but continued nearly until 3 p.m., Sandhu reported.

He said the Sikh project, which commemorates the winter ordeal of two Sikh brothers in 1705, distributed coats and jackets in Modesto last week and will conclude at family shelters in Stockton on Friday, Nov. 30.

“Altogether, we will give out about 5,000 coats and jackets,” he said. “We are committed to this project.”