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 Warm Coats for Seniors Program.

"The demand is always greater than what we can supply," said 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, L.L. 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. Gently used coats can be dropped of between now and Thursday, Nov. 20 at the following Midcoast Maine locations: Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center, 521 Main Street in Damariscotta, and Spectrum Generations Knox Community Center, 61 Park Street in Rockland.

To donate a gently used winter coat, to make a financial contribution to the fuel assistance program or to learn more about obtaining a Goodwill of Northern New England winter coat voucher, contact Aging and Disability Resource Counselors Cynthia Troxel (Damariscotta) at 207-563-1363, Gloria Rhode (Rockland) at 207-596-0339 or visit the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport Nov. 21-23 and look for the Coats for Seniors table. For more information, visit www.maine4a.org.