BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's and women's tennis programs are hosting the second-annual Hot Paws campaign that will span the length of the winter sports season.

"With the harsh winter closing in on children who are completely unprepared, the men's and women's tennis teams – along with the generous partners in the Pitt-Bradford family and community – will donate hats, mittens, socks and scarves to distribute to the local children who need them the most," men's and women's tennis Head Coach Susan Schenfield said.

The event kicks off with the first home basketball game as the Pitt-Bradford women's team opens up its season hosting Mansfield at the KOA Arena Wednesday.

The Panther tennis teams will be collecting children's gloves, hats, socks and scarves. The items will then be donated to area school districts the week of Feb. 14, 2018.

A tree has been set up in the lobby of the McDowell Sport and Fitness Center on campus, and donation items can be dropped off during home basketball and swimming events or during regular business hours. Monetary gifts will be used to purchase additional winter items.

Admission for home events is free to the public.

The Pitt-Bradford women's home opener on Wednesday will begin at 7 p.m. The first men's and women's doubleheader will be on Wednesday, Nov. 29, with the men's team playing first at 6 p.m. The two teams will play a total of nine regular-season doubleheaders at the KOA Arena this season.

The Pitt-Bradford men's and women's swim teams will be home twice more during their seasons with home meets at the Paul C. Duke III Aquatic Center on Jan. 13 and 20.