The City of Colwood’s branch drop-off program is taking more than just yard waste this month.
Colwood residents dropping off yard waste through the free program are also encouraged to drop off items for the Christmas Backpack Project, an initiative giving backpacks filled with donations to the homeless for Christmas. The initiative was started by Colwood resident Niki Ottosen in 2008.
Blankets, sleeping bags, toiletry items, ready-to-eat foods, underwear, long johns, warm winter socks, compact umbrellas, scarves, hats and toques are being collected at the municipal yard.
Acceptable yard waste includes branches of a maximum diameter of four inches, plus grass clippings and leaves. The next drop-off date is Dec. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3300 Wishart Rd. The program is for Colwood residents only and drop off is free.