Mother Marianne’s Westside Boutique had its biggest month in January, providing clothing and personal care items to 172 people, reports Coordinator Nancy Robert.

She attributed the increase in assistance to winter weather and the new New York State bail-release act. “We helped five women with clothing and toiletries who had been released and had nothing.”

People in need received such clothing as flannel shirts, scarves, jackets and coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, gloves, hats, ear muffs, pants, underwear, socks, pajamas.

Among them were 14 children and six infants.