SANDPOINT — The leaves have started to change color as fall settles in for the season in North Idaho.

The chill in the air means it is again time for people to share the warmth with the 35th annual Coats 4 Kids drive.

“I am always excited that the warmth of our community helps bring warmth to those in need,” said Karen Battenschlag with Tomlinson Sotheby’s and local Coats 4 Kids coordinator, adding that she is also excited to be participating in the 35th year of Coats 4 Kids.

Collection of winter items begins today and gently used and new items are always welcome, as are cash and check donations, which are used to purchase new coats.

Battenschlag said the campaign is not only for kids, donations can help the smallest of babies, adults and entire families in need. Therefore, Coats 4 Kids accepts not only coats, but also winter hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, snow pants, and snow boots of all sizes, infant through adults.

Donation boxes are set up at about 45 locations in the area, including the majority of schools in the Lake Pend School District, Tomlinson Sotheby’s, Safeway, the Bonner Mall, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Columbia Bank and Mountain West Bank to name a few.

The used coats are cleaned by Nu-Way Cleaners and all items are distributed at the Bonner Mall. While Coats 4 Kids is a regional drive started in Spokane by KXLY 4, which recently took on a new look and name as 4 News Now, all of the coats and other winter items collected in Bonner County stay in the community, Battenschlag said.

Donations can be dropped off at any of the sponsoring locations until Oct. 25. Distribution at the Bonner Mall will begin Oct. 21 and will continue through Nov. 15.

“Our community always comes together for this worthy charity,” Battenschlag said.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.