For more than 10 years, Betty Bledsoe has attended the annual Coats for Kids campaign with her adopted special-needs kids.

And every year, regardless of the rush or when the family arrives, campaign volunteers locate Indiana Pacers coats for each child.

Saturday proved no different, as the single mom and her 10 children posed for pictures clad in their new blue and gold jackets while singing “God on the Mountain” for organizers as a thank-you for their efforts.

“My whole family looks so forward to this day every year,” Bledsoe said. “This coat drive makes such a difference to families like mine that can make it on their own, but benefit from a little help. This day means so much to me because I know my kids are going to be warm.”

In its 23rd year, Coats for Kids, sponsored by WTHR (Channel 13) and the Salvation Army, provided thousands of local children with winter attire Saturday at the State Fairgrounds. But, in most cases, those seeking a coat got so much more as 225 volunteers also handed out gloves, hats, scarves and a lot of compassion.

“It was a wait, but it was definitely worth it,” said Sanika Sivils, attending the event for the first time with her husband, Alan, and four kids. “Everyone was so courteous and helpful. We are so appreciative of it because this year has been a financial strain on us after Alan lost his barbershop.”

With the tough economy and so many people losing jobs during the past year, Coats for Kids organizers were expecting a record crowd.

Families began arriving at 10:30 p.m. Friday to get in line, and shortly after the doors opened at 8 a.m., the number of people made it hard to maneuver through the aisles.

By lunchtime, the crowd was expected to exceed last year’s full-day totals; when the event ended, nearly 5,000 children had received coats, compared with 4,400 last year.

“This morning was by far the heaviest volume and most concentrated effort we’ve ever seen,” said Maj. Richard Amick, division and state commander for the Salvation Army.

Organizers had been concerned about having enough volunteers and coats. But any anxiety was quickly quelled when nearly 10,000 coats were collected or purchased, and 85 more volunteers showed up Saturday than did last year.

“I wish I could explain the phenomenon,” Amick said. "Given the economy and all the newly unemployed, I’m just moved by the generosity of the people of Indianapolis.

“We even had an anonymous donor give $10,000 because they were so moved by the cause, but refused any recognition.”

The Bledsoes couldn’t thank all those involved enough. In fact, one of Bledsoe’s daughters, Summer Bledsoe, 12, said she was so happy because Saturday’s event would allow her to continue her favorite hobby this winter: fishing.

Summer’s first coat, a Pacers snowsuit, came from a previous event 12 years ago, so Coats for Kids holds a special place in her heart.

“It just feels so nice to have so many people helping our family.”