Bellevue Youth Link will partner with the Bellevue High School Fashion Club to collect new and gently used coats to keep youth, teens and adults warm this season.

Last year, the Kids Care Coat Drive collected more than 3,000 coats for Bellevue families in need.

More than 22 percent of Bellevue public-school students qualifying for free or reduced lunch prices in 2010, organizers say, making the need especially great.

Donations can be dropped off through Nov. 21 at Bellevue community centers. Donated coats will be distributed to Bellevue families in need on Nov. 21 and 22, from 4-7 p.m. at Crossroads Community Center, 16000 NE 10th St., while supplies last.

The Kids Care Coat Drive was established in 2004 by former Chinook Middle School Student Rick Teegarden. When Teegarden was a volunteer for Youth Link’s Teen Closet, a clothing bank for middle- and high-school students, he saw that coats, jackets and other warm outerwear were the most-requested items. While helping plan the school’s annual canned-food drive, he suggested collecting coats, too. The first drive brought in 350 coats.

Information about coat donations and other drop off locations is available by contacting Patrick Alina, Program Coordinator at palina@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-5254.