EVANS CITY — Come mid-January, needy adults and children can pluck a coat, hat, scarf or gloves off the trees or poles on and around Main Street.

Cole McLaughlin, the president of the Evans City Leo Club, said the cold weather items, in addition to blankets and boots, are being collected to be hung in public places around the borough.

People in need of the items can simply take what they need.

The Leo Club is the young adult version of the Lion’s Club.

McLaughlin asked the borough council members at their Dec. 7 meeting if there are any places where the items should not be hung.

Council president Lee Dyer replied that utility poles should be avoided unless the club gets permission from Penn Power.

He advised McLaughlin that in the case of private property or in front of a business, club members should tell the property or business owners what they are doing.

Councilwoman Kim Armstrong suggested that McLaughlin draft a letter explaining the project, and give it to the property and business owners impacted.

McLaughlin’s mother, Charity McLaughlin, said a collection box has been placed inside Viola’s grocery store on Main Street, and another will be placed in the library in a few weeks.

Residents can donate new and used warm weather wear and blankets in those boxes.

Charity McLaughlin said she got the idea from a Facebook post, and showed it to Cole. He thought the project would be a worthy one to do in the borough.

She said she will remove and launder coats and other washable items hanging around the borough if they become wet or soiled from exposure to the elements.

The project will continue through March.