It won't be long until we all have to button up for the cold. Help make sure everyone can.

When it comes to helping people, one of the really good ideas of recent years is the coat drives local organization have held to benefit those who are less fortunate.

The idea is to persuade individuals to clear their closets of older coats and turn them over to various organizations that will see they go to people in need.

School districts have engaged in coat drives, as have various charitable organizations. They can make a big difference for the people who need them.

Now the students at Next Generation Middle School are collecting used coats. The drive, which runs from Nov. 14-18, will benefit the East Central Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center in Urbana.

Next Generation is seeking lightly used coats as well as new mittens, scarves and hats in children and adult sizes.

Sponsors says the best location for dropping off donations is in the lobby of the Next Generation primary school, located at 2521 Galen Drive, C, during school hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Let's face it. Those unused coats aren't doing anything other than taking up space in a closet or attic. Besides, what's more important than having a coat in the winter?

Do yourself and someone else a favor by taking a look at what's been stored away. If you find a coat you can do without, give it to Next Generation so someone else doesn't have to do without.