Winter clothing drive is on through September

With winter on the way, the Community Assistance Program (CAP) and Interfaith Coalition are collecting warm clothing through the end of September for their annual winter clothing drive.

CAP is accepting new or gently-used winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves and socks for adults and children throughout September. All used items must be freshly-washed and enclosed in a plastic bag before being dropped off.

XXL, XXXL and toddler sizes are in high demand, but clothing drive director Amee Nelson said she expects increased demand for most items this year.

“I think just all the way around needs are going to be greater this year,” she said.

Clothing can be dropped off at Pacific Building Center, The Bridge Community Hope Center (by appointment), Birch Bay Village Golf Pro Shop, Blaine Christ the King Church, North Bay Christ the King Church and Blaine Grace Lutheran Church. CAP plans to add additional collection locations, which will be posted on its website.

CAP also takes monetary donations online, which it uses to buy items in high demand. CAP will distribute the clothing by appointment throughout October. Typically, the organization operates a distribution site for one week that allows people in need to come in and browse. This year, people will have to make a reservation and can only come in one family at a time, but distribution will last all month, Nelson said. A distribution location will be announced this month.

Last year, the drive collected more than 800 coats and CAP gave away 500. The rest were donated to other clothing drives, clothing banks and churches in the community.

CAP is a volunteer-based nonprofit project of Blaine area churches that provides social services to residents of Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer, and Point Roberts. Learn more or pre-register to receive coats at blainecap.org or contact Amee Nelson at 360/319-0269.