[UPDATED with Readers Coming Through:] Rescue Mission Seeks Cold-Weather Help for Homeless

​UPDATE, NOV. 11, 5:11 P.M.: Folks from a group called Over the Hill Stitchers were among many people who responded to yesterday's Navel Gazing item on the Orange County Rescue Mission trying to fulfill an "urgent need" for 3,000 jackets, umbrellas and blankets for homeless people. "They received many more donations and lots of calls as well," says spokeswoman Corynne Randel.

See more of what's been donated after the jump . . .

​
Don't let the items that have been donated stop you from swinging by the Rescue Mission to contribute. See details in the original post below on how to do that.

​
ORIGINAL POST, NOV. 10, 5:01 P.M.: The Orange County Rescue Mission is reaching out to the public to help reach its goal of filling an "urgent need" for donations of 3,000 cold weather items for homeless people throughout the region.

The forecast has changed from a heavy storm hitting the center of Orange County Friday to it moving to the south into Baja. But some rain is still expected, and overnight temperatures continue to get colder and colder as winter approaches.

The nonprofit Rescue Mission--which uses biblical principles to help the needy cope with relationship, parenting and financial issues--is in particular need of blankets, umbrellas and jackets. They can be dropped off at the Village of Hope, 1 Hope Drive, Tustin, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

The goal is to come up with 1,000 of each--blankets, umbrellas and jackets--according to Rescue Mission president Jim Palmer. Items will be distributed from the Village of Hope or taken directly to the homeless. Many line up for Rescue Mission Chili Van meals Thursday evenings at the Santa Ana Civic Center.

For more details on this and other Rescue Mission efforts, visit RescueMission.org. Meanwhile, check out this video for reasons why your cold-weather donations are so important: