The woman behind the act of kindness is Rebecca Barassa of Malden. Barrassa told FOX25 she doesn't want needy people to be cold this winter. She has draped mittens, gloves, socks and earmuffs on trees downtown.

A note placed near the clothing reads: "I am not lost. If you are stuck out in the cold, please take what you need to keep warm."

Bostonians like Lisa McEachern say they're touched by the gesture and feel inspired to add to the collection.

The city's Parks Department says it plans to leave the items where they are as long as they're not damaging trees.

A woman in Portland, Maine, started a similar campaign,

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. And coats started showing up taped to poles

recently.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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