McDonald Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Picayune will be participating in the 11th annual Operation Sweaters for Veterans again this year.

Steve McDonald said this will be the fourth year the local funeral home will participate in the effort to collect brand new sweaters, gloves and jackets for veterans in need.

Participation in the drive is part of the funeral home’s membership in the Veterans and Family Memorial Care, McDonald said.

Donations of brand new sweaters, gloves and jackets are currently being accepted at the funeral home, located at 401 West Canal St., until Nov. 9. The items will then be given to local veterans at Veterans Association hospitals, homes and service organizations.

McDonald said the business became involved in the effort to support local veterans and show appreciation for their years of service. Last year, 15 to 20 boxes full of sweaters, gloves and jackets were donated to the funeral home by the community. The funeral home in turn had to use a large van to take them down to the VA in Biloxi.

“It’s turned out to be a really good thing,” McDonald said.

Donations can be dropped off at McDonald Funeral Home and Cremation Services from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.