More than 2,400 people are experiencing homelessness in Santa Barbara County, the county reports. To help individuals and families stay warm this winter, the Public Defender’s Office is collecting new and like-new donations of the following items:

• Sleeping bags
• Gloves, jackets, shoes, scarves and backpacks
• Hygiene products and thermal underwear
• New socks and underwear (most needed items)

Donations are accepted 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday through Dec. 11 at the Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office: 1100 Anacapa St., office entrance is under the archway of the County Courthouse; and Santa Maria Public Defender’s Office: 312-P E. Cook St., Bldg. A.
 
Financial contributions are accepted as well:

• Tax-deductible financial donations may be made through the Public Defender’s partnership with Adam’s Angels.
• Visit the Adam’s Angels donation portal and click “Donate.” Select “Sleeping Bag Drive” from the drop-down menu to direct your gift to this effort. Funds will be used to purchase new sleeping bags and undergarments.
• Items may also be donated virtually through the event’s Amazon Wishlist.

To receive donated goods, individuals must attend one of the following events, noon-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12:

• Outside the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St.
• At the Santa Maria Public Defender’s Office, 312-P E. Cook St., Bldg. A

Events will continue while supplies last. Local outreach teams and community partners are notifying clients about the available donations.

For more, contact the County Public Defender’s Office, Santa Barbara, 805-568-3470, or Santa Maria, 805-346-7500.