SANDPOINT — No one likes being cold — especially during the winter.

That's why local Coats 4 Kids drive organizers are working to gather as many warm winter coats, hats and gloves as possible.

“Temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing, and before you know it, we’ll have snow on the ground,” said local organizer Karen Battenschlag of the local drive which kicked off Wednesday, Oct. 1. “Time to clean out your closets and donate your new or gently used, clean coats to Coats 4 Kids.”

The collection drive is underway and continues through October. Coats 4 Kids collects gently used, clean winter items — as well as new ones — to help those in need stay warm. The program also accepts cash and check donations, which are used to purchase new coats.

All sizes are needed, from infant to adult.

“Everyone needs to stay warm this winter,” Battenschlag said.

Donations are being accepted throughout October. Coats and other winter gear will be distributed in November with help from the Bonner Community Food Bank.

Battenschlag emphasized that the campaign isn’t just for kids — the drive aims to help everyone, from infants to adults, ensuring support for entire families. In addition to coats, Coats 4 Kids accepts winter hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, snow pants and snow boots in all sizes.

“Everyone needs warmth,” she said.

Those in need of a coat do not need to be food bank members. There are no qualifications — just a need for a free winter coat for any family member, including adults, teens, children, toddlers and infants, Battenschlag said.

Battenschlag has been involved with Coats 4 Kids since 2014, when she began working at Tomlinson Sotheby’s International Realty after a career with the Lake Pend Oreille School District. As a volunteer, she has helped collect, clean and distribute more than 1,000 coats annually in Bonner County. Since its inception, Coats 4 Kids has distributed thousands of coats and countless winter accessories throughout the community.

“No one has to give anything to receive a coat,” Battenschlag said. “All coats stay in the community and are given to those in need at no charge. Every dollar donated goes toward purchasing a coat for an infant or youth up to age 18.”

Donations can be dropped off daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Goodwill, located at 204 Larkspur in Ponderay. Papa Murphy’s, at 1010 Fontaine Drive in Ponderay, is accepting donations daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. STCU, at 477123 U.S. 95 in Ponderay, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kootenai Elementary School, 101 Sprague in Kootenai, is accepting donations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sandpoint Safeway, located at 702 Fifth Ave., is accepting donations daily from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Selkirk Association of Realtors, at 325 Marion Ave. in Sandpoint, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tomlinson Sotheby’s International Realty has two Sandpoint locations — 503 Cedar St. and 120 S. Second Ave. — both open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Distribution of winter gear will begin Nov. 1 at the Bonner Community Food Bank’s two locations: 1707 Culvers Drive in Sandpoint and 45 S. McKinley in Priest River.

Founded 40 years ago by KXLY News 4 and Tomlinson Sotheby’s, Coats 4 Kids has provided more than 300,000 coats to those in need across the region. The drive continues to thrive thanks to generous donations and community support.

To make a cash donation, checks can be made payable to the KXLY Community Partners Foundation and mailed or dropped off at Tomlinson Sotheby’s, 503 Cedar St., Sandpoint. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are tax-deductible.

Information: Karen Battenschlag, 208-610-4299