You might not miss that old coat, but it could provide a lifeline for someone else this winter. The number of people in crisis in London is growing steadily, and with the pandemic leading to rising numbers of people losing their jobs, it is only going to get worse.
That’s why the Wrap up London campaign from Hands On London is so important. The initiative sees thousands of volunteers get together on an annual basis to gather, sort and distribute unwanted coats to those who need them most. Last year’s campaign saw over 1,200 people collect over 27,000 coats for 100 charities.
While the groups past efforts have focused on London’s transport hubs, however, this year, with a pandemic raging, the campaign’s organisers have had to come up with a different method of collecting donations. This will involve a network of drop off points for those who want to donate their unwanted coats. Most of the collecting will take place at Safestore locations across London, however, coats can also be deposited at The Broadgate entrance to Liverpool Street Station (only on 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th November 10.30am – 2pm) and at the Clothes For Causes store in Greenwich.
All of the collection points are Covid-19 safe and all have track and trace procedures in place. Nonetheless, Hands On London are asking donors to wear a mask and maintain social distancing when making their donations.
Once each coat is deposited it will be held in quarantine for 48 hours before being sorted by Hands On London’s team of PPE wearing volunteers.
You can stay up to date with the campaign on Hands On London’s Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram channels.
For information on how to volunteer for Wrap Up London, please click here.
