Springfield Cadette Troop 40634 is collecting gently used coats and new blankets to donate to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Donations can be dropped off upstairs at Sarah Bailey Civics Center, 30 Church Mall between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our troop's goal is to raise over 100 items by Jan. 5.

All donations will be sent to the Red Cross.

"Many people lost everything," troop leader Heather Hecking said in an email. "Sometimes a warm coat or blanket can make all the difference."