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BEMIDJI — United Way of Bemidji Area’s annual Coats for the Community drive is underway, with donations being accepted through Oct. 3.

Accepted donations include new or clean, gently used men’s, women’s, infant’s and children’s coats and snowsuits, a release said. Winter accessories including boots, scarves, gloves and hats are also welcome.

Those who donate gloves or boots are asked to attach each pair together prior to donating.

Donations can be made at Dress Club Cleaners and Lueken's Village Foods North and South locations through Tuesday, Oct. 3.

"The coat drive is one of United Way’s community impact initiatives aimed to help meet the basic needs of those who may otherwise have to go without, while also helping families become more financially stable," the release said.

The coats and winter accessories will be distributed from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 7, at First Lutheran Church in Bemidji. Anyone may come on the distribution day to get winter items for themselves and their family.