Interfaith Coalition of Whatcom County is collecting winter coats, jackets, mittens, gloves and scarves during October to help people who can't afford such items. Each year, the coalition provides about 3,000 donated coats to people in need.

Here's the collection and distribution schedule:

Bellingham: Winter outwear will be collected at many congregations as well as at the Interfaith Coalition office in First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave.

Items will be distributed at the Assumption Church gym, 2116 Cornwall Ave., from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 27 and on Oct. 28, when a community meal will be served.

Blaine: Outerwear can be dropped off at Blaine Food Bank, 500 C St., from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Fridays until Oct. 16.

Items will be distributed at the food bank from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 16 and Oct. 19, and from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 17.

Everson: Outerwear will be collected from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 31 at Everson Fire Hall, 101 E. Main St.

Items will be distributed at the fire hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 1.

Ferndale: Outerwear can be dropped off at Thrive Community Fitness, 1859 Main St., and at Whatcom Educational Credit Union, 5659 Barrett Road, during regular business hours, and at United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday through Oct. 22.

Items will be distributed at the church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24 and Oct. 27.

Foothills: Outerwear will be collected from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Oct. 29 at Foothills Food Bank, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 6210 Mount Baker Highway, Deming.

Items will be distributed at the food bank from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 30.

Details: 360-734-3983 or interfaith-coalition.org.

Reach DEAN KAHN at dean.kahn@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2291.