The Jaffrey-Rindge Rotary Club its holding its inaugural coat drive to get winter coats to those in need. 

Through Dec. 4, people can drop off new and gently used winter coats at Belletetes in Jaffrey, Jaffrey American Legion Post 11 and M & T Bank in Jaffrey. Items will be distributed to Jaffrey-Rindge School District, Shelter from the Storm and community members in need. 

The Jaffrey-Rindge Rotary Club is optimistic about its inaugural coat drive and the future of the event.

“We started late this year with this idea,” said club board member Donna Senechal. “We wanted to get the word out as soon as possible and hope that we can. We already collected like 10 coats in the last few days.” 

Senechal emphasized the importance of proper protection from the cold in the winter months.

"I just thought it was where we live, people need coats now,” said Senechal. “If people know of people in need we are going to try to make that happen and get a coat to that person even if it's after a cutoff date.”

Senechal hopes to expand the program across more towns and to include more items in the future. The expansion would also assist more organizations in need of winter clothes, and Senechal encourages citizens to reach out about those in need. 

“We’re looking for more input from anybody on people [who] would need these jackets,” said Senechal. “In the future, we're going to make it bigger and expand it to gloves and scarves, blankets, stuff like that.”