Hundreds of winter coats, pants and boots are being distributed this week to veterans in need by a Long Island nonprofit. 

“General Needs” is working with former Rep. Lee Zeldin’s charity, “Zeldin Cares,” and the clothing company “Arctix.”

 “These veterans who are raising their hand, willing to give up their life in defense of our country, it's important that they're treated with the love, dignity and respect they need from a very grateful nation," Zeldin told News 12.

 The warm coats will ensure that veterans out in the cold stay warm and help give them a positive mindset.

 Lonnie Sherman founded General Needs after he discovered the large number of veterans in need of basic things like socks and underwear. Volunteers regularly pack items in duffel bags and distribute them to veterans in shelters. Sherman said, “They’re trying to get their lives back together, back on track, and they really don’t have very much.”