We Care Northwest, a coalition of Highline-area churches, is collecting school clothing for children for distribution to evacuees from hurricane-devastated New Orleans.

The collection center at the former Gottschalks department store at 460 S.W. 152nd St. opened on Sept. 3.

Donations will continue to be accepted by volunteers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at least through Saturday, Sept. 10.

They are asking the public for school clothing for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, Sunday dress clothes, and stuffed animals.

Pastor Patrick Foutz of Westside Christian Fellowship organized the volunteer effort.

Foutz anticipated that donations and offers to volunteer would "increase exponentially as the word of the outreach effort spreads."

The building, owned by the City of Burien, has been mostly vacant in anticipation of Burien Town Square construction. Mayor Noel Gibb said he is happy the city is able to contribute the use of the building for the effort.

"We cannot ignore the plight of the citizens of New Orleans and surrounding areas," Gibb declared.

"The City of Burien is fortunate to have this space available to house the collection center. The evacuees have lost everything. Clothing and stuffed animals will provide some small measure of comfort to the children whose lives have been uprooted by this terrible event."

People wishing to volunteer may contact Foutz at 206-439-9031 or at wcf@integrity.com.