The annual Coats 4 Kids Drive began Thursday, but things are running a little differently this year.

The public can still donate in person at some locations, including Safeway and Tomlinson Sotheby's International Realty in Sandpoint, said Sandpoint coordinator Karen Battenschlag.

However, because of COVID-19, in-person donations and drives are limited, she said. Instead, organizers are stressing monetary donations, which will be used to purchase new coats.

“We’re 100% volunteer-based,” Battenschlag said. “So 100% of their donations go toward the coats.”

This year, C 4 K will distribute at local food banks instead of the Bonner Mall to limit potential exposure to COVID-19, she said.

Battenschlag said C 4 K is working with school secretaries, principles and teachers to help identify children who may need coats for the winter.

“I’m really charged up. It’s different, but I think we’re still going to do well,” Battenschlag said.

In Sandpoint, donations of new or gently used coats can be made at donation bins from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. at Safeway on 702 N. Fifth Ave., or from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Tomlinson Sotheby's International Realty, 200 Main St.

Monetary donations can be made at secure.kxly.com/c4k/default.asp, where donors can click on the location they want their funds to go to.

Donors can also write checks made out to the KXLY Community Partners Foundation. Checks can be mailed to or dropped off at any of the following locations: Tomlinson Sotheby's International Realty, 200 Main St., Sandpoint,ID 83864; Tomlinson Sotheby's International Realty, 223 Sherman Ave. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814; KXLY News 4 Now 500 W. Boone St., Spokane, WA 99201.

Donations will be collected until Oct. 30.