The fourth annual Pioneers for People Coat Drive to collect warm clothing, especially coats, ends Feb. 5.

The Staff Advisory Council, sponsor of the coat drive, hopes to meet or surpass last year’s donations.

The council wants to collect 600 or more coats and other cold weather items this year.

All donated items will go directly to the Denver Rescue Mission, a local organization that aids those less fortunate in the Denver area by providing shelter, food, clothing, education, Christian teachings, and work discipline in five different facilities.

“It’s something simple the entire DU community can get involved in that can benefit so many people in need,” member of the Staff Advisory Committee and co-chair of the coat drive, Christa Bruning said.

Students and staff are encouraged to donate coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and other cold weather items to one of the 20 drop off locations on campus or at six local businesses, including Illegal Pete’s, Jordan’s Pub and Kaladi Brother’s Coffee.

The program began when the Staff Advisory Council wanted to sponsor an event during the winter, since the majority of their events occur in the spring and summer. Several ideas were suggested, but ultimately the coat drive was the event chosen.

“Our hope is that when staff or students get new coats and cold weather items over break, they will come back to campus and donate their older items to the drive,” she said.

Students are eager to jump on this opportunity to give back to the community.

“Donating clothes is a great way for students to give what they have to people less fortunate, especially because we don’t always have lots of money or time to spare,” junior Nandita Balaji said.

For a complete list of drop off locations, visit www.du.edu/staff.