BELFAST — Each winter, older Mainers struggle to stay warm. This fall, Spectrum Generations is collecting gently used winter coats to help older Mainers in need.

Spectrum Generations and the Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging (M4A) are coordinating efforts across the state to ensure warmth for as many older Mainers as possible through their Coats for Seniors program.

“The demand is always greater than what we can supply,” says Melissa True, ADRC Manager at Spectrum Generations. “  As every Mainer knows, the winters — especially last winter — are long and they’re cold. Our seniors need our help.”

For each coat collected, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England will provide a voucher to Spectrum Generations to give to older adults who needs a winter coat.

Additionally, LL Bean will donate $5 per donated coat to M4A’s fuel assistance program, which helps heat older Mainers’ homes when other resources are exhausted.

Last year, almost 1,000 coats were collected and $5,000 donated. Spectrum Generations and M4A are looking to surpass that number this year.

Donation boxes in Belfast will be available Saturday, Nov. 1 until Friday, Nov. 21. 

The boxes are located at Spectrum Generations, 18 Merriam Rd., and First Baptist Church, 95 High St.

To donate a gently used winter coat or to make a financial contribution to the fuel assistance program, contact Kathryn Kreamer at 338-1190 or visit the LL Bean Flagship Store in Freeport November 21-23 and look for the Coats for Seniors table.

For more information, visit maine4a.org.