When the temperature drops and dampness sets in this time of year, a little warmth goes a long way.
It's in that spirit, realtors on the Sunshine Coast and Lower Mainland are taking donations of blankets and warm clothing to help those in need.
Now in its 16th year, realtors in the region are again kicking off the Realtors Care Blanket Drive -an initiative that puts warm clothing on the backs of tens of thousands every year.
Carol Hautala, a realtor for Prudential Sussex Realty in Sechelt, said virtually every real estate office on the Sunshine Coast will be drop-off point for the program from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6.
"We take blankets, hats, gloves, socks, coasts, any long-sleeve warm clothing whatsoever," she said. "It can be used but we'd like it to be in fair condition."
Hautala said last year, Coast realtors took in over 1,000 donations, all of which found their way to people on the Sunshine Coast.
"We do give the donations directly to the people in need. It doesn't go to the Salvation Army and get sold in the stores. We actually choose the homeless shelters," she said. "Everything will be kept locally on the Coast."
Blankets, coats and hats collected will be distributed through Arrowhead Centre Society, the youth outreach workers and a volunteer who helps get donations to aboriginal youth in low-income families.
Hautala said there is a much bigger demand for donated warm clothing and blankets on the coast than most would imagine.
"People don't realize how many people we have here on the Coast in our own community that are in need. That's why we try to keep it local," she said.
On the other hand, Hautala said, Coast residents also have a reputation for pulling together to help the community out in times of need and the Blanket Drive is a perfect time to show it. And if you can't get the load in before the Dec. 6 deadline, not to worry, Hautala said, "we'll still make sure it gets directly to the people in need."
