Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy has launched a new campaign to help homeless veterans and their families in Albany County.

Albany County Cares about our Veterans is a drive to collect new or gently used coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and boots as well as personal hygiene products.  This expands on what has been known as “Katie’s Koats” since 2012 but will now include a variety of clothing items and other personal needs items that will be collected in partnership with Crossgates Mall, Lord & Taylor, ShopRite, Best Cleaners, CDTA, and Albany County.

Donated items will be distributed by The Homeless and Travelers Aid Society and the Veterans Miracle Center.

“A large number of at-risk veterans are having trouble competing for employment, are living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are dealing with substance abuse issues,” said McCoy in a release from his office.  “They shouldn’t have to worry about warm clothing in the cold winter months or personal care items.”

“Cold dark nights leave our homeless veterans shivering and in need of a warm coats, winter boots, and other cold weather apparel.  If you’re buying a new set of boots this year, donate your gently used pair to someone who has served our nation,” said Liz Hitt, Executive Director of HATAS, in the release.  “While we think of veterans as adults, many of them have children that they struggle to keep warm.  Children’s cold weather apparel is therefore greatly appreciated.  Like all parents, our veterans will go without in order to clothe their children — let’s take care of them both!”

Clothing items may be dropped at any Best Cleaners, boxes at Lord & Taylor, and the Crossgates Mall customer service desk; personal hygiene items may be dropped at ShopRite stores in Albany County and the Crossgates Mall service desk box; all donations will be accepted at Albany County office buildings at 112 State Street, 162 Washington Avenue, and 175 Green Street through Dec. 23.