It’s not too early to plan for cold weather.

Yes, it’s only August, but it is the Upper Peninsula, so early planning probably is warranted.

Volunteers in Marquette County will donate their time for the 10th annual Project Keep Kids Warm winter clothing drive.

Every year, the project has provided children of 300 western Marquette County with winter clothing, a necessity in the frigid U.P. winters — and often fall and spring.

There are a few changes to this year’s annual program.

Previously, bags with brightly colored labels were delivered to homes in Negaunee, Ishpeming and Republic in late September, with collection following in October.

This year, although the project still will focus on new or gently used winter clothing such as coats, gloves, mittens, hats and boots for infants through teens, the drive will involves collection drop-boxes with posted instructions.

These drop-boxes will be set up at area schools, churches and businesses.

The goal is to streamline volunteer coordination and make it easier for donors so they don’t have to stick to the strict timeline included with curbside pickup.

It will be announced later when the drop-boxes will be put out, which is expected to take place between Sept. 29 and Oct. 9.

Program coordinator Dick Derby stressed the need for warm clothing doesn’t go away.

In a Tuesday Mining Journal article, Derby said Project Keep Kids Warm is “neighbors helping neighbors.”

He also hopes people will step up again this year to help — and we have no doubt they will.

Clothing drives for the cold weather aren’t uncommon in the region, but as Derby said, the needs always is there.

We are pleased that residents recognize that need and try to alleviate that need.