As the temperature drops, it’s time to start turning our attention to warm clothes and AnnArbor.com's Warm the Children campaign.

With the downturn in the economy, more and more families in Michigan struggle to purchase the most basic of needs, and the brutal winter months bring new challenges. But Warm the Children eases the burden by helping families purchase cold-weather clothing for children up to age 16.

There are a lot of great changes to the Warm the Children campaign this year, including a new partnership, new ways to donate and a new location for shopping.

Ann Arbor-based United Bank & Trust has joined a partner in this year’s campaign. UBT, along with the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, will act as fiscal partners and ensure that all donations are handled responsibly. United Bank & Trust will also act as donation drop-off location.

“We are thrilled with being able to be a sponsor of this very important initiative," Jamie Guise, chief retail officer at United Bank & Trust, wrote in an email. "As a community bank, we are committed to being a partner and making a difference in our local community and we are excited for our local banking offices to be the collection point for all donations this year.”

As a donor to Warm the Children, your money goes directly to purchasing warm clothing such as coats, boots and mittens for children who might not get them otherwise.

Volunteer shoppers go with the families to help them make the most of the donations and ensure that the children will get the items they need most.

Area schools and agency social workers identify and refer children in need. Each child referred into the program will receive $90 worth of clothing, which they themselves can pick out. This year, participants will shop at Target. Target will give participants an extra five percent discount on their purchases.

Warm the Children is entering its 14th year this season. Over the years, more than 23,000 children in Washtenaw and Livingston counties have been served. Last year alone, you helped 2,700 kids. This year, we aim to help 3,000 children or more.

“Because of your kindness and generosity three of my children now have what they need to stay warm this winter,” wrote one recipient last year.

For added convenience, Warm the Children is now accepting online donations. To donate, visit the Warm the Children web page at www.AnnArbor.com/warmthechildren.

Donations can also be made by mail. Visit the web page to download the donation form and address it c/o United Bank & Trust, PO Box 1127, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1127.

You can also visit the AnnArbor.com Community Space located at 304 E. Liberty St. and purchase a cup of locally roasted coffee. All proceeds go to the Warm the Children campaign.

Remember, all donations are tax deductible and go directly to Warm the Children. All overhead costs are absorbed by the program’s sponsors.

If you would like to volunteer, call 734-623-4654.