The Vancouver Fire Department is holding its eighth annual coat and blanket drive through Jan. 1.
People can donate blankets and clean, usable coats of all sizes from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at the Westside Fire House, 400 E. 37th St., off Main Street. Donations can also be left at America’s Self Storage at 108 N.W. 139th St. in Salmon Creek from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Acting Fire Capt. Matt Krussow said in a release that firefighters meet people on a daily basis who need warm coats and can’t afford them. Children’s coats are in greatest need, he said.
Last year, firefighters collected more than 3,000 coats for needy people. In 2004, the first annual drive, they collected 700 coats.
Leftover coats and blankets will be delivered to local shelters, schools and the YWCA in January.
