The Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Offices in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara will be collecting donations of new and like-new items to help people experiencing homelessness in the County during the cold and wet winter months.

To help some of the estimated 2,400 homeless individuals and families locally stay warm and dry, the offices are seeking sleeping bags, gloves, jackets, shoes, scarves and backpacks.

Hygiene products and thermal underwear, as well as new socks and underwear — which the Public Defender's Office said are the most needed items — will also be accepted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 11.

Donations can be dropped off to the following locations:

Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office: 1100 Anacapa St.

Santa Maria Public Defender’s Office: 3

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