For over a decade, the Rotary of Northbrook has been helping residents stay warm during the winter with its annual "Coat Off Your Back" collection drive. In true Rotary spirit they are partnered with the Glenview Sunrise and Deerfield Clubs in the growing endeavor.

The drive is specifically focused on collecting winter coats for the many refugees that have recently resettled in the North Shore and Chicagoland area, along with homeless residents. The goal is to make sure that local refugee settling organizations such as The Free Store, World Relief Chicago, PADs, Stock the Shelves and Connections for the Homeless will be able to provide winter coats for infants, children, teens, and adults they serve.

"Every year, refugees from different parts of the world end up being resettled in the Chicago area, frequently arriving with few possessions from home," Rick Rosenfeld, one of the coat drive's organizers. "There was an influx of refugees from Afghanistan, Ukraine and Venezuela, each spending their first winter in Chicago."

The clubs are hoping to help the community repurpose their gently used coats as they shop for new things this season. New items are welcomed as well. Coats for school aged children are a big need so that they can safely walk to classes.

"We know there are many heavy coats in people’s closets that are no longer being used, so if area residents take a few moments to check for those that could benefit from a new owner, we would be grateful." Rosenfeld said.

There are donation bins at each school. Coats can also be brought to Illuminate on November 22 in Village Green.