Cornell and Ithaca-area communities can help people cope with the oncoming cold weather by contributing new and gently used winter wear and blankets to the 20th annual Share the Warmth campaign.

The drive will run through Dec. 10 and is open to Ithaca College, Tompkins Cortland Community College and Cornell University students, faculty and staff, as well as Ithaca-area residents. Winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, snow boots, snow pants and other cold-weather articles can be dropped off at numerous locations (see box). According to Karen Brown, director of marketing and communications for Campus Life and chair of Cornell's Share the Warmth Campaign Committee, the community is in greatest need of blankets.

"Share the Warmth is a vital part of our educational program to show students how they are connected to a larger community -- not just here on campus, but throughout the Ithaca area," explained Marty Rauker, director of Campus Life. "It gives our faculty, staff and neighbors -- as well as our students -- a wonderful opportunity to help others by sharing our no-longer-needed cold weather clothing with those who are less fortunate. It's a great way to participate in the university's focus of social responsibility and environmental stewardship, while making an enduring contribution to the betterment of our community."

The Samaritan Center of Catholic Charities will distribute items to the community Monday-Friday, Nov. 26-Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m

Share the Warmth is sponsored by the Ithaca Rotary Club, which leads the annual drive, Trumansburg Rotary, Ithaca College, Samaritan Center of Catholic Charities, Finger Lakes Re-Use, TC3 and Cornell.

For more information, contact Karen Brown ked13@cornell.edu.