FAIRMONT — Fairmont Elementary School’s “Take It or Leave It” winter clothing drive will take place during back-to-school conferences Sept. 3-4.

It will be located in the K-2 cafeteria. Donations are being accepted now until the time of the drive. Donations of Fairmont Cardinal gear and apparel also will be accepted.

School social worker Amy Becker began the event in 2014.

“I noticed that there were a lot of kids who needed winter gear and by the time we realized that there was already snow, so we thought of a way to get it to them sooner rather than later,” she explained.

One important thing about the drive is that families are not required to bring an item to take an item. Families are allowed to take whatever items they need for their children.

The items are for children as young as preschool-age through sixth grade, but Becker said she gets adults clothing too. It sometimes fits sixth-graders, or families can take those items for older, high school-aged children.

“It’s winter apparel to play outside in. What we need most of is warm winter gloves and snow pants,” Becker said.

Winter hats, scarves, gloves, boots, coats and snow pants are all needed.

“Elementary kids grow so quickly. You buy them a pair of boots one year and by the next year they’ve grown out of them,” Becker pointed out.

Anything left over is stored until next year’s drive or used when needed by a student.

While this is the only clothing drive the school puts on, the Kiwanis club provides coats and boots if students need them throughout the year. Becker said community members also will occasionally donate items that are then given out throughout the year when needed.

“Every year we have students who need various things,” Becker said. “Sometimes it’s just various things like hats and mittens, but sometimes coats and boots. We have kids that are walking to and from school that don’t have anything.”

She said there is definitely a great need for items at the elementary school.

“Last year, all of the coats and snow pants went and all but one pair of snow boots went,” she said. “It’s very successful. Families definitely take advantage of it, which is great.”

Donated items may be brought to the main office anytime during business hours. For more information, contact Becker after Aug. 27 at (507) 235-4606.