The drive is on for coats, hats and gloves to keep the Plateau’s children warm during these winter months.

What started off as a gesture to help out the Enumclaw and White River clothing banks has blossomed into an all-out community effort to meet a growing need that will extend beyond the holiday season.

To help out, Jeri Gamblin and others turned Gamblin Motors annual gift exchange into a giving exchange. Rather than the employees exchanging gifts they were asked to bring coats, hats or gloves to donate to the clothing bank. The need, Gamblin found out, is so great, the Enumclaw car dealership is opening its doors to collect more.

“And the need won’t go away after Christmas,” Gamblin said.

Community members can drop off new or gently-used coats, hats and gloves at either state Route 410 location during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A truck will be set up as a collection box in both location showrooms.

The collection will run through the end of December.

Cash donations will also be accepted and turned over to clothing bank director Sheila Smith, who will purchase items.