ALBANY COUNTY — Through Dec. 9, the county is running a coat drive for veterans.

Coats are being collected at Crossgates Mall in Guilderland, cleaned by by Best Cleaners, and then distributed by The Homeless and Travelers Aid Society and the Veterans Miracle Center.

“At the beginning of my administration, we asked for new or gently used coats, but have expanded to include hats, scarves, gloves, and boots and have been able to provide thousands of warm pieces of clothing over the past seven years,” said Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy in a release from his office.

“The Albany County Cares Program provides desperately needed winter coats to homeless persons within Albany County. Every gently used or new coat is given to a homeless man, woman, or child in need,” said Liz Hitt, executive director of HATAS, in the release. “Please help us keep our neighbors in need warm and dry this holiday season by donating today.”

Clothing items may be dropped off at any Best Cleaners, a box outside Lord & Taylor on the lower level at Crossgates Mall or at Albany County office buildings at 112 State Street, 162 Washington Ave., or 175 Green Street through Dec. 9.