Every winter, hundreds of people in Spokane go without a coat and are cold because of it. This includes young children whose parents can’t provide a thick warm jacket, students who have to pay rent and tuition, and adults who can’t purchase or afford them and are left behind and shivering.

Our wet and windy winters deal out harsh, low temperatures that make walking to school or work tough.  The transient problem here in Spokane is more visible than ever and it’s far worse for those who don’t have a proper place to go home and stay warm to get through the coldest season of the year. Any person who doesn’t have a winter coat or heating will be left helpless in the soon to come cruel winter days. That’s why annually for the last couple years, SFCC’s Associated Student Government has been putting on an event called Cold for Coats.

“I believe that this clothing drive will have a big positive impact on our community,” said Lydia Calderon-Aceituno, the outreach programmer for ASG. “The homeless and low income communities of downtown Spokane (where we plan to distribute the supplies) have great need for warm winter clothing, and many cannot afford to purchase these items on their own.”

This year the event will be held from Nov. 19 to 21 on the lawn outside of the library. The drop sites will be next to the camp area, or you can head inside the Student Union Building to the ASG rooms 137 and 138 as well. Make sure to gather what you no longer use or need and stop by the drive to donate what you can. Cold for Coats is a coat drive where ASG encourages anyone and everyone to donate gently used coats. Other warm clothing, besides jackets and coats are also greatly appreciated. Hats, scarves, mittens or ear muffs are exceedingly helpful. ASG is also enthusiastically encouraging the donation of nonperishable food items or canned foods as well.

“We will be collecting donations from students and community members of warm winter clothing such as coats, socks and hats,” said Calderon-Aceituno. “We will also have cookies and hot cocoa for anybody who wants to stop by and talk with our team members. This year, the team is also planning on teaming up with a club from Whitworth University to distribute the supplies downtown.”Alongside the good work Cold for Coats does for the community, they also send a message. Some members stick it out in the harsh weather in tents for the duration of the drive.

“Several members of the ASG team will be camping out in tents for three days and two nights,” Calderon-Aceituno said. “Students are welcome to volunteer to join us for any amount of time that they wish.”

They do this in hopes to paint a picture of what it’s like for those who suffer every day. Often the reality of what it’s like for those who don’t have coats or a house is shielded from the public eye. Cold for Coats works hard to bring awareness.

“I expect for us to receive many donations from students and community members,” Calderon-Aceituno said. “We have in fact already received some donations from community members who heard about the event!”

The best way to feel the holiday spirit is to give the gift of giving to others.

“Through Cold for Coats, the students of Spokane Falls can help give back to their community and help those in need,”  Calderon-Aceituno said.