Survive the Streets became even more of a community event in 2012. Local schools and businesses hopped on board and organized “Gear Drives” to collect goods to be distributed on Thanksgiving Day. Thanks to Trident Seafood, it was the first year Survive the Streets gave away a room full of boots. Approximately 275 men and women were outfitted before the project ran out of survival gear.

The final count on items for 2012 was:

• 200 Sleeping Bags and Warm Blankets
• 187 Warm Coats
• 85 Warm Fleeces
• 75 Pairs of Boots
• 84 Extra Warm Hoodies
• 89 Duffel Bags
• 120 Backpacks
• 230 Pairs of Gloves
• 260 Warm hats
• 120 Waterproof Tarps
• 300 Cold/Hygiene Kits

Patti and Michael were grateful to have so many volunteers on board, including a few people from Mayor McGinn’s office, the Real Change Staff, the Seattle Nursing Association, Top Pot Donuts, Sound Crossfit, Seattle Strength Studio, Cascade Design, WA Mountaineers, WA Defense Trial Lawyers, and many local schools.

It was because of the great success in 2012 that, again, Michael and Patti realized that they had to make this bigger. They both really wanted to find a way to serve people in need on an everyday basis.

Survive The Streets will still hold its annual Thanksgiving Day gear event but now the founders will be able to help people in need seven days of the week.