Mike's Trash is wanting to take a load off of local families in need this year with their winter hat and glove drive. 

Started on November 9, the drive ends December 29. Collected items will eventually be donated to Columbia Elementary, Riddle Elementary, Akron Elementary and Caston School Corporation.

Mike's Trash employee Alicia Fuller says the community has been generous, filling their tote more than halfway so far with new hats and gloves. The business is hoping for more before the end of next week to meet the needs of all the area schools. 

Fuller says the items will be passed out when the kids return back to school from Christmas break in January.

A former employee for Rochester Community Schools, Fuller says she has seen first-hand the need for something like this in the area. 

Donations can be dropped off at the Mike's Trash office at 824 Main Street in Rochester. All donated items should be new and in original packaging. 

For more information about the hat and glove drive you can call 574-223-6429.