Project Warmth drop-off is Nov. 5 across the Kansas City area

Nov. 5 is drop-off day for Project Warmth, a program that for 34 years has collected coats and blankets to help needy Kansas City-area residents cope with the extreme cold.

New and gently used items, including hats, scarves and gloves, may be brought from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to collection points at eight retail areas around the metro area, as well as to The Kansas City Star and to KCTV5. (See box for complete list.)

Last year, Project Warmth collected more than 14,400 coats, more than 3,100 blankets and more than 4,000 hats, scarves and pairs of gloves. For information about alternative locations and dates to drop off a donation, email info@projectwarmthkc.com.

All items received by the campaign are distributed, free of charge, by the Salvation Army to nearly 70 shelters and other organizations across eight counties.

Over the years, the campaign has also raised nearly $8 million to help people with utility bills in winter and summer. Look for a postage-paid donation envelope, made possible in cooperation with Tension Envelope, in the Sunday, Dec. 4, edition of The Kansas City Star. The envelopes have raised more than $4 million.

Original artwork by Star editorial cartoonist Lee Judge will also be available for a $100 donation to Project Warmth from Nov. 24 through Dec. 25. Watch for ads in The Star as well as on Amazon.

Project Warmth is co-sponsored by The Star media company and KCTV5, along with distribution partners Mid America Assistance Coalition, the Salvation Army, Tension Corp. and Penske Corp. For more information, go to projectwarmthkc.com.

People in need of emergency assistance may call the Greater Kansas City United Way 211 information line (816-474-5112)