The Coats for Kids campaign needs more help keeping local children and teens warm through the winter.

Campaign coordinator Michelle Leong told the NOW that overall donations from the community are down, but corporate sponsors have been stepping up.

"We definitely need more coats," Leong said. Because demand is up, the campaign is dipping into its cash donations to buy coats.

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Winter warmth: The Coats for Kids campaign needs more donations. Above, Sukhi Dhaliwal and Michelle Leong during a recent trip to distribute coats to elementary school kids.

Larry Wright/BURNABY NOW

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Organizers are two months into the campaign and have distributed more than 500 new or gently used coats. They still need warm winter coats, preferably waterproof and with hoods. Coats can be dropped off at the any of the following Burnaby Public Library branches: Metrotown, McGill and Cameron until the end of November. They can also be dropped off at the South Burnaby Neighbourhood House at 4845 Imperial St. or Top Quality Home Services, at 6346 Kingsway, until the end of December.

The project is organized by the Rotary Club of Burnaby-Metrotown, the South Burnaby Neighbhourhood House, the Burnaby Rotaract Club, the Burnaby Public Library, the Burnaby school district, Optimist International and the Burnaby North Community Association.

Leong also wanted to say thanks to those who have helped out so far, including Investors Group, Zeemac Vehicle Lease, Please Mum, Top Quality Home Services, the Burnaby NOW and Speedpro Signs. Sperling Elementary, Lochdale Community School, Glenwood Elementary and Stoney Creek Community School have helped collect coats in support of the campaign.

Leong also pointed out that members of the Confederation Center helped knit toques, scarves, and mitts for Burnaby's children.

For more information on Coats for Kids, call the South Burnaby Neighbourhood House for more information: 604-431-0400.

© Burnaby Now 2009