In an act of kindness, an anonymous person this week hung winter garments on six trees on Boston Common, welcoming passersby affected by the frigid temperatures to help themselves to items of clothing to stay bundled up.

An anonymous person this week hung winter garments on six trees on Boston Common.

It's a simple gesture. But one that could go a long way as winter approaches, and cold weather sets in.

Tied to the trunks of the trees along the path heading toward Boylston Street are mittens, gloves, scarves, ear-warmers, socks, a pair of warm-up pants, and knit hats.

A note placed on the ground that was written with a winter-blue-colored marker reads: "I am not lost. If you are stuck out in the cold, please take what you need to keep warm."


At the bottom of the sign was a drawing of a snowflake.

As people trotted through the park on their way to work or school, many craned their necks to read the sign or take pictures of the collection of garments strung up with orange string.

Lisa McEachern said she saw the clothing Monday night as she passed through the Common. At the time, she couldn't read the sign. But on Tuesday morning, as she walked by again, she was touched by the sentiment.

"It's a great thing. I think there's a lot of people who could use it," she said. "I don't need anything, but I do have some things at home that I could bring in, now that I know what's going on. I donate quite often so it's just as easy to bring it here."

After stopping to examine what was wrapped around the tree trunks, Lynne Lupien decided she might add to the fuzzy collection, too.

"I think it's really cool," she said. "Someone obviously has a good heart, and I think more people will add to it. I do crochet, so I was thinking maybe I will probably do some hats if these are still up in a week."


A city spokeswoman said that the Parks and Recreation Department will leave the clothes where they are, as long as they are not damaging the trees or other property on the Common.

Scarves and gloves were among the garments left behind. David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

Steve Annear can be reached at steve.annear@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @steveannear.