Volunteers at Bridgeport Rescue Mission are in need of winter coats and Thanksgiving turkeys for the less fortunate.

The not for profit is asking for the public's help dealing with a critical shortage of winter coats, which they pass out each year to the homeless.

They also need turkeys for their biggest outreach effort of the year --the annual Great Thanksgiving project, taking place from Nov. 20-26.

The need for the items comes on the same day the leadership at the Mission is changing.

Pastor Terry Wilcox, who has run the not for profit for almost 20 years, is passing the torch to the new CEO, Frank Williams.

Williams tells News 12 the urgent need for donations could mean the difference between life and death for many of the people who benefit from the organization.

Donations can be dropped off at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission at 1088 Fairfield Ave.