NASHUA – As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, the need for a warm winter coat is growing.

Thanks to the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter and the Knights of Columbus, residents in the Greater Nashua community will not have to worry about going without a coat.

The organizations are sponsoring the “Let’s Warm Up Nashua” coat drive. Through Dec. 15, they will accept donations of coats — whether they are brand new or a little worn and in working condition.

Those looking to donate coats may visit the shelter, located at 2 Quincy St., anytime from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday. Coats can also be donated at 35 Spring St. from 3-7 p.m. Monday.

Those in need of a coat can visit 35 Spring St. from 1-5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, they can visit the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter for coats. No identification is needed.

Shelter Executive Director Michael Reinke said organizers don’t ask people for their story or background — they just give them a coat if they need it.

“We don’t ask where you live; we ask if you’re cold,” Reinke said.

Reinke said the shelter has been giving coats to people in need for years. The shelter tends to distribute up to 400 coats every year. Reinke said this, in turn, has long-lasting effects.

“I think that any time people are able to stay warm in the winter, it’s a pretty awesome thing in and of itself. Nashua is a place of generosity. Nashua is community where we care for our neighbors.”

Reinke added, “It both supports a vision of Nashua as a place where we can take care of each other and help when we need a hand, and that sets a tone for how we go about our daily lives.”

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