Want to donate that coat you rarely wear anymore?

As Old Man Winter readies for another cold winter, several Chicago area organizations are hosting coat drives to warm the needy and homeless.

There are more than 3.5 million homeless women, men and children in the United States right now -- each facing a cold winter, reports the National Coalition for the Homeless.

"Donating a coat to help a homeless person doesn't just warm the hearts of those who will wear it, it also warms the hearts of those who donate," said Nick Coe, president of Lands' End, which has teamed up with the National Coalition for the Homeless for a nationwide coat drive -- "The Big Warm-up" -- now through Nov. 30.

Gently used coats can be dropped off at Chicago area Lands' End shops at Sears stores or Lands' End inlet locations. For each coat donation, Lands' End will offer a 20 percent discount on the purchase of a new Lands' End coat.

For store locations, call (800) 800-5800 or visit: www.bigwarmup.com.

Here are some other coat drives under way in the Chicago area:

• The 21st annual Chicago Bears Jewel-Osco Coat Drive is under way through Dec. 4. New or gently used coats can be dropped off at local Jewel-Osco stores. Clothing will benefit the Salvation Army and children in Chicago area public schools.

For the nearest store location, visit: www.yourjewelosco.com.

• Gently used coats, hats and gloves of all sizes for men and women are needed for the winter clothing drive taking place at the Loyola Center for Health in southwest suburban Homer Glen. The drive ends Nov. 23. Clothing will benefit the Morning Star Mission in Joliet. The center is at 1750 Marian Dr. Call (708) 645-3400; www.LoyolaMedicine.org.

• The NBC5 Chicago Coat Drive will be held Nov. 18 through Dec. 16. Donors must clean the coats before donation. Drop-off bins will be set up in front of NBC's Studio 5, which is at 454 N. Columbus. Coats will be donated to the Salvation Army and other local groups. Call (312) 836-5611; www.nbcchicago.com.