Volunteers Ray Offenberger and Shirley Duckworth unload donations during the Coats for Kids program at the Dime Bank building in November. (File photo)

The AmeriCorps Seniors Retired Senior Volunteer Program is once again collecting coats, hats, gloves and scarves for children and adults in need.

RSVP has been managing the Coats for Kids project for more than 20 years, distributing nearly 750 winter wear items in 2024, according to a release from the group.

“Every child deserves to be warm in the coming winter months. New coats, gloves and scarves are hard on families already on a very tight budget,” said Carla Westfall, director of AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP. “RSVP gives back to seniors 55-plus in Washington County every day, but this is our chance to help children. All children need a clean, good-fitting coat that they enjoy wearing.”

Donations of coats for children age 3 months to 12 years are “desperately needed,” Westfall said. Those and new or gently used coats of all sizes, for kids and adults, can be dropped off in barrels set up at the following locations:

¯ Arnold Magnetics

¯ Boys and Girls Club in Marietta

¯ Job and Family Services, Gilman Avenue

¯ Kroger in Marietta and Belpre

¯ The Changed Plate and The Bistro at Memorial Health System’s Belpre campus

¯ Neader’s Diner

¯ The O’Neill Center

¯ Pickering Associates

¯ Washington County Courthouse

¯ Washington County Health Department

¯ Washington County Public Library on Fifth Street in Marietta

The last day to donate items is Dec 2.

Distribution will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in November, except for Thanksgiving, at the Dime Bank building at Second and Putnam streets in Marietta. Distribution will resume Dec. 2 and 4.

“As the weather gets colder, please donate items that are too small or that you no longer need to the Coats for Kids project,” Westfall said. “RSVP thanks you in advance for making it possible to keep Washington County residents warm this winter.”