Editor's Note: This article clarifies information in an earlier version.

New London - The front parlor of Michelle Allen's Mountain Avenue house is redolent with the scent of burning candles. From a stereo in the kitchen, one can hear the melodic strains of "All of Me." The ambience is a warm definition of "home."

On the walls and atop tables are letters of appreciation, political posters and tributes to President Barack Obama and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. And piled everywhere are winter coats. In addition to the overall ambience, these mementos all speak to Allen's spirit of civic involvement and charitable works. For 20 years, she's been active in all sorts of beneficent projects - and she plans one final effort before gracefully exiting from community service.

On Jan. 19 - Martin Luther King Day - Allen will host "Mommy I'm Cold," an event where she'll be collecting new winter coats, gloves and winter weather apparel for needy children. She's been soliciting the clothing for weeks, along with non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Gemma Moran United Way Food Center.

"Sometimes I'll see little kids and it's cold and they just don't have coats," Allen said, "or maybe they're too small. Maybe they don't have gloves. My feeling is, everyone can use warm winter clothes."

In the past, Allen has collected used clothing during the winter but, this year, asked for new coats because she can no longer afford out of her own pocket to have rips or buttons replaced or items dry-cleaned.

Still, well-meaning folks have contributed used items - and Allen is staging a second event to place those materials.

"Hey, I grew up on hand-me-downs and there's nothing wrong with that," she said. "So I'm only going to give out the ones in good shape. It will still help, I think."

The new coats will be given out to children in need by appointment on Jan. 23, 24 and 25. Used coats will be given out to adults in need on a first-come, first served basis. The event will take place in a storefront at 227 Bank St. donated by owner William Cornish. Any leftover items will be donated to homeless or women's shelter.

Allen is asking folks interested in receiving new coats to call (860) 447-8125. The limit is two coats per family.

"I can't believe how generous (Cornish) is," Allen said. "It's just a huge offer. In the past, we've worked out of a garage - and now we have a place with heat and lights. He's so kind. And we'll have music and snacks and we'll sing Happy Birthday to Martin Luther King."

Indeed, as with "Backpacks with Healthy Snacks," an initiative she oversaw last year, the "Mommy I'm Cold" campaign will take place on Martin Luther King Day for a reason.

"President Obama asked citizens on Martin Luther King Day to do acts of community service," Allen said. "I took that to heart."

But Allen was similarly active long before that. From blood and food drives, high school cleanups and working with the Boys' and Girls' Clubs to registering voters and actively supporting local and national Democratic candidates, Allen has found rewarding ways to stay busy since she retired in 2005 after working 25 years at the Seaside Regional Center.

"Helping others helps keep my mind busy," she laughed. "I'm going to miss it, but it's time. I've got a bit of a medical issue and it's time to slow down."

For now, all of Allen's focus is on "Mommy I'm Cold" and the subsequent used-coat distribution program. She welcomes any volunteer efforts including citizens who might want to bring food and paper goods for the events' refreshments.

"I'm very much looking forward to this. I guess it's my grand finale," Allen said. "For years, I've tried to live life with a purpose. If there's been a need, I've tried to be there."

r.koster@theday.com

Twitter: @rickkoster.com