On Friday, Piñon Project started a winter wear drive to help bring warm winter clothing to youths in the community who don’t have the resources to acquire winter clothing on their own.

Piñon Project said they are holding this drive to “keep our kids warm and healthy” this winter. Each year, Piñon helps about 597 youths in the local communities.

High need items that are specifically requested at the drive are hats, gloves, scarves, hoodies, puffies, jackets, thermal pants, thermal tops, coats, new boots and socks.

They also ask that items donated are clean and in good condition, and said they will accept adult sizes as well.

Because temperatures can drop to 12 degrees and below in Southwest Colorado winters, Piñon emphasized the importance of making sure every child has proper clothing for the duration of the cold winter months.

“Help us keep them warm this winter!” Piñon Center said in a news release.

Donations can be made at Piñon Project, 210 E. Main St. in Cortez, and questions can be directed to Ellis McNichol at emcnichol@pinonproject.org.