Annual winter clothing drive takes place in September

As fall and winter draw near, the number of people in need of warm clothing will start to grow.

That’s why volunteers with the Community Assistance Program and the Interfaith Coalition are sponsoring the annual winter clothing drive, which lasts from Sunday, September 1 until Monday, September 30.

New and gently used winter coats, gloves, scarves and hats, as well as socks for men, women and children are being accepted. Volunteers are requesting good quality clothing in clean condition, and the demand is especially high for XXL and XXXL sizes as well as infant and toddler sizes. There is also a great need for warm winter socks.

“Everyone deserves to be warm in the winter, but there is a huge population in our town that does not have that capability,” said Amee Nelson, director of the winter clothing drive. “Please donate – the warmer the better – so that everyone can be warm.”

Last year, nearly 500 coats were donated through the program. Any extra donations are distributed to other communities in Whatcom County.

Drop-off locations include the Blaine library, Blaine Senior Center, Pacific Building Center, Windermere Realty at Birch Bay Square, Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 office, Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce office, Birch Bay Village Clubhouse and office and most local churches. At each location, there will be a marked bin or barrel in which donations can be placed.

Distribution of donated items will take place in mid-October in unit 200 of the Cost Cutter shopping center (the old Blockbuster space), where those with financial need will be able to select free clothing. The distribution is scheduled for Monday, October 14, Tuesday, October 15 and Friday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Wednesday, October 16 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to help sort, organize and distribute the donated clothing. To volunteer, or for more information, please visit blainecap.org or contact Amee Nelson at 360/319-0269.