The holidays are over. The cold weather most definitely is not. The Treasure Valley Community Resource Center is sponsoring a winter coat and blanket drive in anticipation of the national Point-in-Time Homeless Count on Jan. 31.

Needed items include new and gently used (and clean) coats and blankets. Donors can drop them between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at the American Legion, 1112 Main St. in Caldwell, and at the Nampa Housing Authority, 211 19th Ave. N. in Nampa.

Those who are homeless will be able to complete the survey about their situation, get free meals and find out about other services on Jan. 31 at these locations:

• Hot soup, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Oasis Worship Center, 506 W. Simplot Blvd. in Caldwell.

• Chili dinner, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 403 12th Ave. S. in Nampa.

Completing the annual survey helps Idaho agencies identify needs in the community.

For more information, please contact Stephanie or Lauren at 461-3733.

GOOD NEWS FOR HANDS OF HOPE

Hands of Hope Northwest is a local ministry that loans medical equipment to Treasure Valley residents.

The organization recently received a $2,500 grant from the Idaho Community Foundation and a $2,000 grant from the Saint Luke’s Community Health Improvement Fund. The money will pay for more equipment.

Crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, bath benches, toilet risers and hospital beds are available for loan in exchange for a donation of any amount. Items must be returned within six months.

To find out more about donating, borrowing or volunteer opportunities, call 466-1473. Hands of Hope NW is located at 1201 S. Powerline Road in Nampa.

NATIONAL MS SOCIETY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE NOW

The National MS Society awards scholarships each year to qualified high school seniors who either have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS.

Applications for 2013 scholarships are available online (find a link through this column at idahostatesman.com) and are due Jan. 15.

The program is intended for students who want to pursue a college degree, professional license or career certification. The academic grants range from $1,000-$3,000, with a small number of four-year awards being offered. Scholarship awardees are notified in May.

COOKBOOK SALES WILL SUPPORT DINING FOR WOMEN

Dining for Women is a grassroots, nationwide group with many local chapters. It combines dinner party potlucks with raising money for women entrepreneurs across the globe.

The group has published its 10th Anniversary Cookbook and is taking orders. Books are $20 (which includes tax and shipping), and are filled with members’ favorite recipes plus recipes from the countries supported by DFW grants. Sales will provide operating funds for the group and its work to lift women and girls out of poverty. Orders are due by Jan. 17. Books will arrive in April.

To place your order, send a check, your name, email address and phone number, payable to Lou Thurman, co-chair of the local chapter to 5332 N. White Spruce Place, Boise, ID 83713. Questions? Call Lou at 938-2275 or 608-4293.

‘ESCAPING HUNGER, FUELING FIELD TRIPS’ AT THE OLD PEN

Once again, the Friends of the Historical Museum host the event where folks get locked up in unheated cells and hope that their friends donate food and money to the Idaho Foodbank and the scholarship fund for school field trips to get them out.

The charitable, chilly event is from 6 to 7 p.m.Friday at the Old Pen, 2445 Old Penitentiary Road. Some of us from the Idaho Statesman (well, me, and whomever of my fellow co-workers I can cajole into donning long underwear and joining me), will be behind bars competing in prison-related challenges like “build-a-shank.”

Donations can be made throughout the day. Or stop by the Statesman’s cell and say hello.

Anna Webb: 377-6431