The long-running Coats for Kids program is back this December, and while there won’t be as much time to collect donations as usual, new co-ordinator Kristine Tan is determined to try and make as much as she can of the time she has.

“I think it’s a good program, and I think it helps a lot of people,” Tan said. “I just want to help others.”

Each winter, Coats for Kids takes donations of old winter gear, including coats, hats and mittens, and redistributes them to needy families. Donated items are asked to be in decent condition and as clean as possible to avoid making extra work for volunteers.

“It’s not a garbage collection, it’s to help people,” Tan said.

Earlier this month, Tan heard the program wasn’t going to be running so decided to take it over. Anyone looking to donate can drop off their items at either the Monkey’s Uncle Toy Shop or the CIBC Bank, both in Invermere, and at the Hot Springs Studio in Fairmont Hot Springs.

Tan said she would also set up a box outside her house, at 443 4th Avenue in Invermere. The deadline for donations ins Thursday, December 20.

Tan is also looking for a few more volunteers to help sort and redistribute the coats later on, and asks anyone who might be interested in donating some of their time to call her at 250-342-2033.

Donated items will be distributed on Sunday, December 23 at the Invermere Legion from 2 to 7 p.m., and at the Hot Springs Studio in Fairmont on Thursday, December 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.