Jack Frost is nipping at noses and a drive has been started to help keep local children warm this winter.

The Newberry County Recreation Department, YMCA and the Newberry School Supply organizers have teamed up to gather coats for needy children.

The group is asking citizens to donate new or gently used, clean winter coats, mittens, scarves, hats and blankets to the drive.

The coats and winter items will be given to children in need by the Department of Social Services and school counselors.

“Cold weather is here and the tough economy will put even more people in need this fall and winter,“ said organizer Gerdi Lake. “Which is why Newberry County is committed to programs that are in the spirit of giving back to the community during the holiday season to help disadvantaged youth obtain the items they need, particularly as we move into the winter season. This is an outstanding program and I ask each citizen of the county to search his or her closets for a coat that will help keep a child warm this winter. We are also accepting warm winter blankets.“

The drive began Friday and will continue through Dec. 19. The goal is to collect 200 coats for children of all ages.

Donors are encouraged to first clean gently-used winter coats before dropping them off at one of the four locations throughout the county.

“Many times children outgrow their winter coats before the coat is worn,“ added Lake. “My hope is that parents will consider donating the coats rather then allowing them to simply take up space in an attic or closet. We genuinely want to do everything we can as a partner in our communities. It's our ultimate goal to make sure that everyone who needs a warm winter coat this season has one. We need a program like this because economic times are affecting a lot of our own citizens. It is our community helping our community.“

The winter items are being collected at: