Help your neighbors stay warm this winter

The 26th annual Snug Hugs for Kids winter clothing drive begins Monday, Oct. 24, and concludes Wednesday, Dec. 14.

The Kids Helping Kids program supports this clothing drive. Girl Scout, Boy Scout, school, church and youth groups are needed to collect new and like-new winter clothing for underprivileged children now until Dec. 13.

Items should be sized to fit newborn to 18-year-old children and can be donated at your local Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop. The collection protects more than 40,000 children served each year by Children's Home + Aid, a provider of programs and services to families in need, from the snow and winds during winter.

Items most needed include the following: for newborn to 7-year-old children are coats, hats, scarves, mittens, adult gloves, sweaters, pants, boots and socks

The Kids Helping Kids program gives young groups the opportunity to make a difference in another child's life. They can earn an embroidered patch by submitting a Kids Helping Kids registration and patch request form after completing the donation.

Forms are available at www.merlins.com/snughugs.