We have the opportunity to help.

United Way officials and the First United Methodist Church have once again teamed up for the annual Community Outerwear Drive, which kicked off Oct. 5.

Donations — including coats, hats, gloves, snowpants and boots can be made through Friday at the United Way and six other locations around town. They can also be made through Monday at Hy-Vee and the Oak Park Mall.

The coats and accessories then get distributed to local youth in need Oct. 26 and 27 at the Oak Park Mall.

Donations are needed for two reasons.

One, winter weather came early this year. And two, the need is greater than last year.

In 2008, 158 requests were made, while 250 requests have been made this year as of Thursday.

While the United Way will accept new coats and cash donations, it will also accept slightly used coats as well, the ones families may not need anymore.

“They don’t have to be $300, just a nice warm jacket,” said Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, the United Way’s executive director.

We encourage our residents, the ones who are able to do so, to make a donation to this year’s outerwear drive.

It’s a worthy cause that helps ensure our students in need stay warm this winter.