The third annual “Pioneers for Pride” coat drive, hosted by the Staff Advisory Council, continues through Jan. 21 with collection sites in several classroom buildings and Driscoll Bridge.

Donations of warm winter apparel, such as coats, hats, scarves and gloves will be donated to the Denver Rescue Mission, which will distribute the clothing to homeless people.

“A coat is such a basic human need. Everyone needs one whether it is for school, their job or just taking a walk outside,” said Lysette Williams, the agency’s manager of community events.

According to data gathered by the agency, on any given night there are more than 10,000 homeless in metro Denver. Of these 10,000 people, 27.5 percent list having lost their job as the top reason for being homeless, 32.6 percent are experiencing their first episode of homelessness and over 60 percent are in households with children.

“There are more families than ever in need during this time with the Colorado weather and our economy. We [the mission] are so grateful for DU’s enormous generosity,” Williams said.

Last year’s coat drive collected more than 1,300 coats and hundreds of other winter items.

“We would love to surpass the 1,300 number, but are thankful for any amount donated,” council member Christa Bruning said.

“We know with the economy being unstable right now we may not go beyond that amount, but we also have a large number of eager student groups and departments on board so we may have a chance to exceed it in the end. Right now our focus is more on getting the DU community involved,” Bruning said.