TOLEDO, Ohio — Fall may have just started, but temperatures are beginning to drop. That's why, starting Friday, the East Toledo Family Center will be collecting winter essentials for people in the community.
The center's fourth annual Winter Gear Drive gives the community the chance to donate new or gently used protective layers for both children and adults.
Jodi Gross is the center's executive director. She said donations are needed every year - and, every year, they try to outdo themselves with more donations than the last.
"Last year, we gave out a thousand items," Gross said. "We are hoping to give away 2,000 items this year, and that's just because we want to make sure we meet the need ... because of the economy and various things going on. We want to beat our numbers from last year, because it's really about serving our families."
Gross said the drive will focus on kids' winter gear the first day.
"They are the necessity," she said. "We want to make sure the kids have a nice coat and gloves, scarves and hats. Just the warmth making sure our kids are warm through these winter months."
Collections will be taken up until Nov. 14, and the donations will be passed out on Nov. 16.
"We have been very lucky to have the support of the community and that's what we are looking for today," Gross said.
If you give on the first day during the Winter Gear Drive, you will be put in a drawing for a gift card.
You can find the drive in the lower-level parking lot at 1020 Varland Ave. During this drive you can stay in your car and members of the ETFC will be there helping collect the donations between 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.