While many are still enjoying the warm fall weather, the Boys and Girls Club of London is looking ahead to snowy, frigid winter days.
The group has launched its annual Koats for Kids drive, collecting winter coats, boots, mittens, and scarves for children and teens in need.
"Last year we collected 1,700 coats and a lot of people were still turned away because we ran out," says Sadie South, campaign organizer. "We are hoping to collect at least 2,000 coats this year."
South says they are looking for donations for boys and girls under the age of 18.
"A lot of the families coming in are lower income families and new Canadians. Winter items can get very expensive so a lot of times they aren't able to afford these kinds of things," says South. "Being able to come here where they can pick and choose between gently used items means a lot to them. They know there are others in the community looking out for them."
Volunteers will sort the donated jackets and winter apparel by size before they are distributed at the Boys and Girls Club on Horton St. on November 5.
"A lot of people change coats for their kids every year," says South. "This is a good way to recycle the coats and know that they aren't going to waste. Someone is actually using them."
Roughly a dozen London businesses and service clubs are collecting coats on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club. A list of donation drop off points can be found by clicking here.