As you're sorting through your winter wear in preparation of the cold months ahead, you may want to think about helping out a worthy cause. The annual Koats for Kids Campaign is underway once again in Portage la Prairie, collecting jackets, hats, mitts, and boots, to be distributed to youth who may not have access to such garments.

It's a community-supported initiative, with the garments donated by residents, washed and cleaned by those at the Manitoba Developmental Centre, and then distributed by volunteers throughout the month of November. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage la Prairie Executive Director Dawn Froese says it's been going on for about 16 years, and the community's always very supported. She says they handed out almost a thousand articles of winter clothing last year.

"Last year in total garments, so hats, mitts and everything else, 994 items of outerwear. For coats, we actually gave away 295 coats last year. That's a lot of coats. It's really nice we could give that away, but really sad we have had to give away 295 coats."

She's encouraging those sorting through their winter clothing to donate items that may not fit anymore, to help those in need of protection from the elements. The coats are distributed on each Thursday in November, and Froese says it's a great feeling to be able to provide these essential items to the area's youth.

"It's humbling, and it's such a good feeling. One of my favourite things to do is actually help parents and kids find the coat for them, one that fits. Sometimes we're lucky enough we can get one in their favourite colour and the look on their faces and the thankfulness they have is absolutely amazing."

Koats for Kids will accept donations of winter outerwear at the Portage Fire Hall, Canadian Mental Health Association Central Region Office, Family Resource Centre, the Portage Plains United Way, and the PCU Centre until the end of the month.