Neighbors Help Neighbors in Clothing Drive

Two community organizations are teaming up to collect warm hats, gloves, scarves and socks to help warm up their neighbors as temperatures dip dangerously low.

The Berkley Red Hats Society has been orchestrating a holiday hat and glove drive for five years and, this season, the organization puts on a "new hat," of sorts, as it joins efforts with NorthPointe Foot & Ankle in Berkley. The organizations are collecting new gloves, hats, scarves and socks for all ages through Dec. 15.

"This is the first time we've joined with the Red Hats," said Dr. Jeffrey Frederick of NorthPointe Foot & Ankle.

"These donations will actually be helping out people in our own backyards," he said. "This year, with the economy the way it is, many people are just barely able to make home payments, car payments, etc., and  can't afford much more to stay afloat. It's great to be helping our own neighbors."

Frederick said joining forces with the Red Hats, which typically collects about 200 items annually, will help meet a growing need.

"We'll be sending most of the items to the Berkley director of schools and human resources," said Sue Thornton, senior coordinator for the . "Then, the director of schools will distribute the items to the principals of the schools as needed."

The Red Hats works on several projects with the Parks & Recreation Department.

"It's absolutely great the way the school officials are so delighted and thankful when we drop off the items," said Betty Smith, a 10-year Red Hats member and supporter of the drive. "Many of the items are handmade and everything goes to Berkley schools," added Smith, a Berkley resident and retiree of the .

Donations will be distributed before Christmas.

Drop-off sites: NorthPointe Foot & Ankle, 27901 Woodward Ave., Suite 110; City of Berkley Parks & Recreation, 2400 Robina.