BRADENTON -- The Salvation Army has issued an urgent plea for cold weather clothes including coats, sweaters, jackets, socks, caps and blankets to help the homeless during the prolonged cold snap.

These items are in great demand, especially, for men but are also needed for women and children.

Items that are clean and in good condition can be taken to 1204 14th St. W. in Bradenton.

"Our hearts go out to the people in our community who find themselves with nowhere to go on these cold nights," said Robert Greubel, manager of the Men's Shelter on 14th Street. "We are bringing as many as possible in from the cold, but there will be many more we won't be able to take due to lack of space."

Greubel and assistant manager Ed Wickman said that cold weather clothes, as well as blankets and towels, are in short supply and are urgently needed.

For more information, call The Salvation Army at (941) 748-5110.

The Salvation Army is also serving a free, traditional hot Thanksgiving dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the 14th Street location. All are welcome.