JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local nonprofit organization held its annual coat drive Saturday morning to help homeless people in Jacksonville.

Hannah’s Hope House, a charity founded by 16-year-old Hannah Hall six years ago, collected coats and other personal items for those in need last weekend.

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The nonprofit held its annual distribution at the City Rescue Mission on Saturday.

Organizers said the charity distributed more than 300 items to those in need, including coats, shoes, blankets, gloves and toiletries.

Hall began the effort when he was 10 years old to help those currently experiencing homelessness or on the verge of homelessness.

“It’s really a beacon of hope. That’s why I chose that name. It shows that even if you’re in the situation you’re in, you can’t give up because hope is always there,” Hall said. “Since I am blessed with everything I have, I thought I could reach out to some people who aren’t as fortunate.”

Hall is working on another big project beyond the coat campaign.

He said his goal is to open a Hannah’s Hope service center at some point next year as he and those involved with the charity look for the right building to buy or rent.

“So the homeless can come in, take a hot shower, get a hot meal, and maybe find a place to spend the night. Hall said they could find work to get out of their situation.

Hall said doing this work for now has been very rewarding.

“It means I’m doing what I’ve been given in this world and helping people,” Hall said.

Agape Health was also at Saturday’s distribution and provided health screenings, including information on stroke prevention.