(SitNews) Juneau, Alaska - The Coat and Blanket Drive, co-sponsored by the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association and the Coast Guard Officer's Association, for Southeast Alaska began Friday in Juneau and Petersburg.

Bins donated by Taku Fisheries will be placed in Juneau at the following locations: Fred Meyers, Wal-Mart, Safeway, IGA Foodland, Super Bear Supermarket, Nugget Mall, and the Juneau Federal Building. Gently-used coats and blankets will be accepted Nov. 16 though Nov. 30.

Additionally, association participants in Petersburg are collecting coats and blankets this year. Their donation sites will be at the Coast Guard building on Dock Street and the Petersburg Parks and Recreation Center. Donations will be accepted between Nov. 16 and Nov. 30, however, only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Coast Guard building.

The Coast Guard has developed close ties with communities throughout Alaska and understands the resource challenges of living in remote areas. By supporting the Coat and Blanket Drive we are helping to meet some of these needs at a time of year when the spirit of giving is at its highest.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Liberty will deliver the donated items to community members in Hoonah, Angoon, Kake, Pelican, and Elfin Cove during the month of December.

"We're honored to be continuing the tradition of the Coat and Blanket Drive," said Lt. Pat Drayer, president of Juneau's Coast Guard Officer's Association. "We're very happy to assist our Southeast communities and to ensure they have coats and blankets to keep them warm during the harsh winter months."

Alaska Laundry and Dry Cleaners is donating their time and equipment to fully clean all the donated items.  Additionally, Les Schwab Tire Center is providing heavy-duty tire bags to keep the donated items dry during delivery.

"With residents of Juneau working together, it's our hope that we can make the holidays a little brighter for some Southeast Alaska residents," added Drayer.

Source of News: 

USCG
www.uscg.mil

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