If you have a coat you don’t need … or if you can afford to buy one to donate … a coat drive is on right now for students at Interagency Academy, a network of small alternative public high schools in Seattle, with two West Seattle businesses as the dropoff points. Interagency’s assistant principal Melissa Rysemus, a West Seattle resident, explains:

Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in our city this winter? Consider donating a new or gently used warm coat for a student at Interagency Academy! Interagency is a public alternative high school serving students from all neighborhoods in Seattle. Over 30% of the students enrolled at Interagency are homeless, some are young parents, and most live in poverty.

All sizes are welcome, especially adult sizes from small to XXXL as students can be up to age 21. Hats, scarves, gloves and other warm clothes are also welcome. Some of the students have kids or siblings they take care of, so small kids sizes are needed too.

And West Seattleite Stephanie Gerding adds:

Some of these students live in tents and attendance at schools serving disadvantaged children is down right now —it is simply too cold to make their way to school! Many of these kids don’t have the clothing to stay warm in these cold days. Some teachers are literally giving the coat off their own back when they see these students in need of a little warmth. … There are lots of West Seattle kids that attend this school.

Husky Deli in The Junction (4721 California SW) is a dropoff spot, open Sundays 10-7, Mondays-Saturdays 9-9. Also, Lika Love in north Morgan Junction (6031 California SW) is accepting donations too (and giving $10 off purchases today if you bring something in to donate – open until 5 pm).

P.S. We’re adding this to the “Giving Opportunities” section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.