This is the time of year when a warm feeling is known to spread across Washtenaw County, and it’s not just children who experience that warmth. Adults feel it, too, in the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped a worthy cause.

We are, of course, talking about our annual Warm the Children campaign, now entering its 14th year.

Since its inception, Warm the Children has touched thousands of families, helping to provide coats, hats, boots, mittens and other clothing items that they would not have been able to afford otherwise.

This year, the need in the community is as great as it has ever been, if not greater. We thank all of those who have made this effort a success in previous years, and whether you’ve been able to help in the past or not, we encourage you to join us in making this year’s campaign a success.

The annual fund-raising effort helps families purchase warm-weather clothing for children up to age 16. Schools and social workers for local agencies help identify the families in need. Each child referred to the program gets $90 in clothing, which he or she can pick out. Volunteer shoppers go with the families to make the most of the donations and to ensure that the children get the items they need most.

Over the years, Warm the Children has served more than 23,000 children. Last year alone, we served 2,700 kids, and this year our goal is to help 3,000 or more.

One thing we’re proud to emphasize is that when you make a gift to this worthy cause, your donation goes directly toward the purchase of warm clothes for children. All of the overhead costs of the program are covered by the sponsors, so every penny you contribute is spent on clothing for children. And your donation is tax-deductible.

We’re pleased that United Bank & Trust has joined as a partner in this year’s campaign. UBT and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation act as fiscal partners to make sure all donations are handled property. UBT also is acting as a donation drop-off location. You can make your donation by visiting any UBT branch in Washtenaw County.

As of this year, Warm the Children also has begun accepting donations online, which can be made by going to AnnArbor.com/warmthechildren. You can also make a donation by mail. Go to the web page to download a donation form and mail it to United Bank & Trust, PO Box 1127, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1127.

You can also visit our Community Space at 301 E. Liberty St. in downtown Ann Arbor and drop off a donation there. Or any time you are visiting our Community Space year-round, you can grab a cup of coffee made by a local roaster, and the suggested $1.50 donation goes to the Warm the Children fund.

While we welcome any and all donations, another way you can help this cause is by serving as a volunteer shopper. We still have a need for some additional shoppers, and if you would like to volunteer, please call us at 734-623-4654.

We all understand how tough the economy is right now, and across the county, human services agencies say their resources are being stretched thin by the rising level of need. A successful Warm the Children campaign would make a big difference for many children. As of this past week, we’ve received $59,143 in donations. We welcome any support you can give. Please help us spread the warmth.