SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Needy kids and their parents will be keeping warm this winter with the help of the Yellowknife YWCA.

Sandra Stirling, co-owner of Overlander Sports, shows off her customers' donations of winter clothing to YWCA's Coats for Kids campaign. - James Chester/NNSL photo

The YWCA's annual Coats for Kids campaign started collecting public donations of coats and other winter clothing on Friday.

"We have literally hundreds of kids to help," says Director of Community Relations Julie Green.

Members of the public are invited to come down to the Yellowknife Multiplex, St. Patrick High School and the YWCA office, located on Franklin Ave., to drop off cold-weather gear.

The campaign, which is in its sixth year, collects up to 500 coats annually.

"We need coats of all sizes, from snowsuits that would fit infants to coats for teenagers," says Green.

Coats can be picked up throughout the day from October 15 to 17 at the old Dollar Store in the Centre Square Mall.

"There is no formal application criteria; people who feel they need a coat and can't afford it are welcome to come and pick one up," says Green.

It's not only the YWCA that's giving people a warm feeling inside and out - four local stores are supporting Coats for Kids by offering an exchange deal on new winter coats.

Mark's Work Wearhouse, For Women Only, Overlander Sports and Weaver and Devore will discount 10% off a new coat in exchange for the donation of an old one in good condition.

For people with kids or those moving away, this is a great opportunity to get rid of their old coats and give to someone who needs them, says Sandra Stirling, co-owner of Overlander Sports.

"They can drop off not just coats but they can drop off mitts, gloves, hats, scarves, boots, anything like that that they don't want to use anymore," she says.

The YWCA expects a good response to this year's campaign, says Green. "In the past when we've asked people to donate goods to help needy families, people have been overwhelmingly generous. It's really very gratifying, very touching," she says.