With temperatures dipping down, the Clothing Pantry at the Ballard Food Bank was busy handing out whatever warm clothes they had available.

A recent donation of hats and mittens went right out the door. "It was gone almost as fast as it came in," said Ballard Food Bank Executive Director John Simpson.

The agency has a constant demand for men's clothes and is in need of more. "All the really warm stuff is gone," said Simpson.

Just coming in to look gets food bank clients out of the cold. "At least it warms them up for awhile, " said Simpson.

Clients have been hanging out at the lunch program located at the Calvary Lutheran Church where there is heat. Others have been going to the Ballard Library.

The food bank offers free food, clothing, household supplies and personal hygiene items to people in Ballard and Magnolia. Some clients are homeless.

The Clothing Pantry is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Donations of winter clothing, especially for men, can be dropped off at the Ballard Food Bank.

Clothing, food and monetary donations are needed not only during the holidays, but also year round. The address is 7001 24th Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98117 or visit http://www.ballardfoodbank.org.

Other food banks in the city's Northwest sector are available.

The Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church Food Bank is at 7500 Greenwood Ave. N. for clients in the 98103, 98107, 98125, 98133 and 98177 zip codes. Clients must call for appointments to pick up food. Call 784-7964.

Family Works-Wallingford Food Bank is located at 1501 N. 45th St. A food bank, commodities; baby food and formula are provided once a week for the 98103, 98107, 98115 and 98133 zip codes.