Detroit — Last year’s polar vortex brought more Metro Detroiters than usual to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for help in battling the harsh elements.

With forecasters predicting this winter could be just as bad, the social service agency is getting a jump on meeting the increased need with Operation Coat Check, an area-wide effort to collect coats to help those in need keep warm.

The effort, which kicked off with a pep rally and coat collection Nov. 6 outside Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s downtown Detroit headquarters, asks those in Metro Detroit to “check” their closets for coats that are too big, too small or aren’t used for other reasons.

Coats that aren’t needed can then be donated to any of the agency’s 13 area thrift stores.

“The need is greater than ever this year,” said St. Vincent de Paul executive director Bill Brazier in a statement. “Through the simple donation of a coat you can make a significant impact on the life of someone in our community.”

Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila, a Catholic, also helped promote the event. “St. Vincent de Paul is an excellent organization and I truly believe that Operation Coat Check will help so many people,” Avila said.

The kickoff also featured the Warren De La Salle High School marching band and other activities. Several local businesses are also collecting coats for the initiative.

“Many people in our community don’t have adequate clothing to stay warm outdoors in winter weather, which can be extremely detrimental to their health and overall quality of life,” said Daniel J. Loepp, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, which is hosting its own coat drive to benefit Operation Coat Check.

The program will continue through January.