By Melissa Smalley
A campaign that aims to help 100 Mile House and area residents keep warm this winter is back for another year, thanks to the generosity of the community donors and volunteers.
Coats for All is a collaborative effort amongst the 100 Mile United Church, the St. Timothy's Anglican Church and several other community organizations that collects winter coats, snowsuits, toques, mittens and scarves for those in need.
The effort in now in its 17th year, organizer Annie McKave says, adding last year upwards of 300 "really warm coats" were distributed, not including other items, such as sweaters and vests.
"The response is really wonderful each year. There is always a need for more children's items."
Anyone who has coats, snowsuits or other winter items to donate is asked to drop them off at 100 Mile Laundromat (4-460 Birch Ave.) between now and Nov. 30.
If they need washing, the laundromat staff will sort, clean and prepare items for distribution to the other pick up locations around the community.
Coats are now available for pick up at Loaves and Fishes, Stemete7uw'i Friendship Centre, 100 Mile Food Bank, Canim Lake Band, South Cariboo Health Centre, Homelessness Outreach Office, 100 Mile House & District Women's Centre, Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre, Canoe Creek Band and the Canadian Mental Health Association-South Cariboo Branch.
On Nov. 19, there will also be coats available for distribution at the United Church (49 Dogwood Ave.) from 10 a.m to 1 p.m.