It's time to do some "winter cleaning" of your closets to support the Realtors Care Blanket Drive.
The 18th annual program will run from Nov. 26 to Dec. 3 across the Lower Mainland, including South Delta.
The eight-day campaign collects enough gently used blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothing and jackets, in addition to new socks and underwear, to help protect about 20,000 vulnerable people in the region from the cold, wet winter.
Of the 35 charities in the region that benefit from the blanket drive, the Richmond Salvation Army is amongst those that receive a significant volume. For years, it has received enough donations to help provide warm clothing during the winter for an increasing number of clients.
"Without the donations from the blanket drive, we would not be able to provide essential clothing and blankets to many families in our community," said Maj. Mary Smith, pastor.
"Unfortunately, the demand becomes greater each year, especially where children are concerned."
Donations stay within the communities in which they are donated, or if the volumes are too large, go to charities in greatest need in neighbouring communities. Since 1995, the blanket drive has supported at least 185,000 people.
New or gently used items accepted include blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothing (coats, jeans, pants and sweaters) as well as scarves, gloves, mitts and hats. New socks and underwear are also accepted.
Drop-off locations in South Delta are as follows:
. RE/MAX Progroup Realty - 100-5000 Bridge St., Ladner
. RE/MAX Progroup Realty - 1559-56th St., Tsawwassen
. Royal LePage Regency Realty - 1333-56th St., Tsawwassen
. Sutton Group-Seafair Realty - 1625-56th St., Tsawwassen
