"We are very grateful to our staff, members of the public and the schools and community groups who get involved - the difference a warm coat or jacket can make to someone throughout the winter is substantial"
- Rebecca Hill - Chestertons
For the tenth consecutive year, Chestertons is turning its network of over 30 branches across the capital into collection points where members of the public can donate their unwanted coats, fleeces and gilets between 23rd October to 20th November for its annual Coat Drive.
Last year alone, Chestertons received over 4,000 donations and, since first supporting the initiative in 2013, has collected an astonishing total of 20,000 winter garments.
Rebecca Hill, Senior Marketing Executive at Chestertons, said: “We are proud to have supported Calling London’s coat drive for ten years but every year the demand grows with more people facing financial difficulties. We are very grateful to our staff, members of the public and the schools and community groups who get involved - the difference a warm coat or jacket can make to someone throughout the winter is substantial.”
Once the Coat Drive ends on the 20th of November, all donations are taken to a sorting centre before being distributed to over 30 charities helping the homeless, victims of domestic abuse, those living in poverty, the elderly, refugees and children.
Frances Manthos, Founder of Calling London, adds: “With the colder months ahead of us, many Londoners are worried about staying warm this winter but cannot afford suitable clothing. Since the rise in household bills, the situation has become increasingly worse for families as well as the elderly but also those without any shelter at all who might have no other option but to sleep out in the cold.
"The generosity of the public is greatly appreciated. Last year, Calling London collected a total of 6,000 coats and jackets. This year, with Chestertons aiming to collect 5,000 donations, we are hoping to reach a total in excess of 10,000.”
Chestertons is now urging people to drop their unwanted winter items at any of its branches in London before 20th November. Clean, warm coats, jackets, gilets and fleeces of all colours and sizes are required.
To find your nearest office, please visit: https://www.chestertons.co.uk/en-gb/network/
