CINCINNATI -- An offer of free digital TV converter boxes in Cincinnati drew a crowd of hundreds Friday morning.

The Freestore Foodbank announced Thursday that it would offer 250 free converter boxes at its office in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood Friday morning at 8 a.m., reported WLWT-TV.

By 5 a.m., more than 300 people had lined up. By 8 a.m., that number had swelled to more than 600.

Because of the large turnout, not everyone in line would be receiving a free digital converter box.

A digital converter box is needed by anyone who does not have cable, satellite television or a digital-ready television.

The government has offered coupons to help people cover the cost of digital converter boxes, which can be purchased at most electronics stores.