For the seventh consecutive year, Vancouver Fire Department firefighters are collecting coats and blankets for needy people.
The drop-off site is the Westside Fire House, 400 E. 37th St., off Main Street. Coats and blankets may be dropped off daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Firefighter Matt Krussow said people need clean, usable coats in all sizes. He said children’s coats are in greatest demand. During a typical day running emergency calls, firefighters meet people who need warm coats and can’t afford them, Krussow said.
Last year the firefighter-led community project collected more than 5,000 coats. In 2004, the first year of this effort, they collected 700 coats. Leftover coats and blankets, if any, will be delivered to local shelters, schools and the YWCA in January.
