A group based in Walpole Island is looking to the local community for help as organizers attempt to collect clothing donations for the less fortunate.
The group, Bkejwanong Noojimo, is looking for donations of socks and winter items such as hats, scarves and gloves. They are specifically in need of men's XL, XXL and XXXL coats and men's boots, as well.
Organizer Kineweewewinkwe Beth Ann Cook said the group began the clothing drive two weeks ago and they have already handed out all of the articles of clothing. She said there a number of people in the region who don't have a home to call their own and are even living outside in tents in the cold winter weather.
"There is definitely a need for more donations to ensure those in need are warm," she said. "It's getting pretty cold out and we're really concerned about their wellbeing."
All donations are handed out at a soup kitchen that was recently opened on Walpole Island. Cook said her group is working towards opening a temporary warming shelter as well.
"We had the early winter and we were caught off guard, and we realized we needed to get working on these different initiatives to help those in need," she said. "We like to provide as much as we can and we're counting on the generous donations by our community."
Any clothing donations can be dropped off throughout the winter months at the Chatham-Kent Health Centre on Walpole Island.
