The donated coats will be sorted at Beaumont Shopping Centre, which is gifting use of a retail unit before the coats go to the charities and voluntary groups who will hand them onto people in need. Centre deputy manager Steve Goddard said: “We are pleased to be part of such a good project, which will help people in need across Leicestershire this winter.”
The groups whose clients will be kept warm this winter thanks to the Coat Drive include:
Alongside the public donations, 17 member businesses of Leicestershire Cares have volunteers collecting coats from staff. The firms taking part include Aurum, Nelsons Solicitors and the Amateur Swimming Association.
Katharine Lightbown said: “We’d like to thank all the businesses and groups taking part. Last year we heard such amazing feedback about how the coats made a huge difference to people and families otherwise forced to choose between food and warmth.”
Sue Smout, senior manager at the Open Hands Trust, said: “We are thrilled this appeal is happening again this year. Many people that come to us are distressed about their circumstances. It is wonderful to have coats throughout the winter to offer people who often come to us very desperate for help.”
Details of the Coat Drive and the locations, dates and times where people can donate coats are on the Leicestershire Cares website: www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/coat-drive
For more information contact: Katharine Lightbown of Leicestershire Cares:
0116 275 6469 email: katharine@leicestershirecares.co.uk
Picture: The Coat Drive is under way, with (l-r) Carrie Hurst of Cares, Jess Grewcock of Hinckley & Rugby Building Society and Katharine Lightbown of Cares
