The Briggs Lawrence County Public Library will be kicking off its annual Mitten Tree after Thanksgiving.

Joe Jenkins, director of the library system, said people are encouraged to donate mittens, gloves, scarves, stocking caps, baby blankets and socks for the drive.

“Everything collected will go to local clothing pantries,” he said.

All items donated must be either new or homemade.

“We’ve had people in the past who have crotched baby blankets,” he said.

The drive will take place at all five of the library’s branches. Jenkins said donors can drop off items at individual branches, where the trees will be put up.

Patrons can have their library fines reduced by donating, for $1 an item, up to a total of $5.

“The library has been doing this for more than 25 years and has collected hundreds of items each year,” Jenkins said.

Items have gone to local clothing efforts near each branch, such as the City Mission in Ironton and the community center in Chesapeake, he said.

The drive will run through Dec. 12.