It may sound like something covert, but Operation Overcoat is not only out in the open, it’s about outerwear.

The annual project to bring new or gently-used children’s winter coats to those who need them kicked off on Monday.

The project is a collaborative effort of the Warren-Forest Equal Opportunities Council (EOC) and Northwest Bank.

“We’ve been participating in Operation Overcoat for many years,” Jennie Miller of Northwest’s Jackson Run Road office said. “It’s great to see our community come together and give back to area children in need.”

There are marked containers in five Northwest locations in the county – 400 Jackson Run Road, North Warren; 301 Second Ave., Warren; 101 S. Main St., Sheffield; 202 E. Main St., Youngsville; and 5 Buckingham St., Tidioute – where coats may be donated.

The sponsors work together to collect and clean donated coats.

The EOC will handle distribution.

The program runs through Nov. 21.