As the weather gets colder, the need for coats and winter outerwear is greater than ever this season for community members who are unsheltered. Cornerstones, in partnership with the Hunter Mill District Supervisor's Office, is once again running the Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet, donating new and gently used, clean coats and new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves to all who need them.

Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the Coat Closet will run outdoors and on a modified schedule. In Reston, distribution will be held at North County Government Building, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, one Saturday each month now through March, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The dates are Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 6 and March 6. All participants must wear masks.

Donations of new or gently used, clean coats, and new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves will only be accepted on Nov. 14, Dec. 12 and Jan. 9 during donation hours of operation. Children's and youths' coats and extra-large adult sizes, 3X and larger, are especially appreciated.

For volunteer and donation information, contact Susan Alger, Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement, at 571-323-1383 and Nate King, Donations and Drives Coordinator, at 571-323-9569.

A testimonial posted on the Cornerstones' website reads: "On behalf of the Hunter Mill District office and Cornerstones, we thank the volunteers and donors for the time and energy invested in making the Hunter Mill Winter Coat Closet such a success this past winter! With their help, over 5,000 coats and more than 1,300 winter accessories went home with our neighbors in need! This program would not happen without the care and concern that they translate into action all winter long."