Winter clothing can be dropped off at several locations in Okotoks and Diamond Valley, and people can pick up things like gloves, jackets or boots beginning in October.
An initiative to spread a little warmth this winter is returning to the Foothills.
Jacket Racket is an annual donation drive that collects and distributes clean and gently used winter clothing for anyone that can use it. In Okotoks, the initiative is organized by volunteers from the Okotoks United Church, Saint Vincent De Paul, and the St. Andrews United Church.
Program co-ordinator Karen Pryznyk said clothing can be dropped off at various locations until Oct. 28.
“There’s quite a few businesses and community buildings that will accept donations,” Pryznyk said.
Winter clothing can be dropped off at Sobeys, the Okotoks Public Library, Foothills Cleaners, Better Than Home Laundry, Okotoks Centennial Arenas, Okotoks United Church, Main Street Market & More and the Fire Hall on Milligan Drive.
For those looking to get some winter clothes, it can be picked up at the Okotoks United Church on Tuesdays and Saturdays, beginning on Oct. 17.
Pryznyk said anyone is welcome to pick up winter clothing, regardless of financial situation.
“We just don’t want any winter clothing to go to waste or end up in the landfill,” she said. “And we want everybody to be warm for the winter.”
Tuesday pick-up times are from 6 p.m. to 8:30 on Oct. 17, 24 and 31.
Saturday pick-up times are from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, 28 and Nov. 4.
In Diamond Valley, clothing can be dropped off at the Alberta Treasury Branch, Sheep River Library and Diamond Valley town office beginning on Oct. 1
Tracie David, with the United Church in the Valley, said items can be picked up at the United Church on Royal Avenue beginning on Oct. 3.
Pick up times are on Tuesday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 3 beginning on Oct. 3.
Evening pick-up times are Oct. 17 and Nov. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8, and there will be one other pick-up time on Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
David said they are looking for donations of warm winter gear for kids as well as adults.
“Snow pants are always something that we’re looking for, especially with the adult sizes or the larger sizes, teen coats, and stuff like that,” she said.
The church is looking for portable clothing racks to hang things like jackets and pants that are donated, and is asking the Diamond Valley community for help.
Anybody who has clothing racks that the church could use is asked to contact the United Church in the Valley at 403-933-4114.
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