ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) – The Ithaca Rotary has launched its 27th Annual Share the Warmth Campaign, offering over 20 collection sites across Tompkins County where people can donate new or gently used winter clothing.

From now until December 18, collection boxes can be found at Agway True Value Home Center (Cayuga Mall), BorgWarner Morse Systems (Warren Rd.), CFCU Community Credit Union (Main Branches), Island Health & Fitness (Taughannock Blvd. and Community Corners), Ithaca College Campus Center, Ithaca Community Childcare Center (579 Warren Rd.), Kendal at Ithaca, Mama Goose (430 W. State St.), P&C Fresh, Seneca Place (inside Tioga St. entrance), Triphammer Marketplace (outside Ithaca Bakery), Wegmans, YMCA, the Dryden Community Center Café, and the Shur-Save and St. James Catholic Church—both in Trumansburg, as well as at locations around the Cornell campus. 

After December 18, clothes will be picked up by Finger Lakes ReUse, sorted by Rotary volunteers, and readied for distribution through the Samaritan Center of Catholic Charities. The donated clothing is then distributed by Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga free of charge to individuals who need such items for the winter months. Distribution will take place December 2 – 13 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM).

All winter clothing in “good repair” is accepted, but officials say there is a special need for children’s and larger-sized outerwear (2X and up) and large-sized boots (13 and up), as well as coats, snow pants and boots; blankets; and hats, scarves, and mittens for all. Each article of clothing donated should be new or gently used and clean.