Sabetha Memorial Post 7285 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion posts Sabetha John L. Palmer Post 126 and Fairview-Morrill Post 322, are conducting a Veterans Day Clothing Drive to benefit homeless veterans in the Topeka area and in Northeast Kansas.

Clothing for men, women and children is needed, as the Topeka Mission and the Topeka VA serve both women and men veterans and their families. As you prepare for winter wear, now is a great time to sort through and get rid of items you no longer need or that no longer fit.

With winter weather around the corner, donations of warm clothing, blankets, bedding and winter footwear are especially useful and appreciated. Other suggested items are bath towels and washcloths, grooming items, and new hygiene items such as toothbrushes in the original packages.

Toys and games for various ages of children also are welcomed. Books, both for children and for adults, are also suggested.

Please be thoughtful — all donations should be in good condition and clean, showing respect for those who have served our country, as well as their families.

Donations may be brought to VFW Post 7285 on South Washington — located south across the alley from the United Bank and Trust drive-through facility — between 4 and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. During the day, items may be dropped off at Community National Bank, Morrill and Janes Bank, or United Bank and Trust, all in Sabetha, or at Farmers State Bank and Holthaus Autohaus in Fairview.

Donations must be brought to one of these drop-off points no later than Wednesday, Nov. 7, so they may be taken to the Topeka Rescue Mission and Topeka VA in time for Veterans Day.

Please be generous and show your gratitude to these veterans, who are among the small percentage of U.S. citizens and others who serve our country so we can all enjoy our freedoms.