We’ve set up Leeds Winter Coat Appeal to make it easy for people across Leeds to donate, share and collect good quality second hand winter coats.
Last year's Appeal was a huge success thanks to the many businesses, individuals and community groups that got involved donating and distributing coats. We were able to give out over 6,500 items of winter clothing to families for free. That saved people over £132,000 - money that stayed within the family budget and could be spent on other essentials. The rising cost of food, utilities and other living costs is hitting people hard and it's especially difficult over the cold winter months.
Find your nearest drop-off point here
Find your nearest collection point here
Leeds is a very generous city and we are so thankful that people can and want to help. This summer we distributed over 16,700 items of second hand, donated school uniform to over 2,900 families, saving them over £284,000 - which they can then spend on other essentials. Now we want to do the same with coats, hats, scarves and gloves.
This year we'd like people to share the winter coats they no longer want or need. It's such a great way to come together as a community and share the things we have. By redistributing winter coats across the city we will help to ensure that fewer people in Leeds go without a warm coat this winter. We will also help to reduce waste by encouraging people to share the coats they no longer use rather than throwing them away - it makes sense and is good for the environment.
Have you got any winter items you haven't worn for a while that you could donate?
Everything you need to know
Ideally warm winter coats for all ages groups i.e. baby, children through to adult sizes. Fur coats or lightweight rain coats are not accepted. We are also collecting fleeces, waterproofs, baby cot sleeping bags, snow suits for babies and young children, pram footmuffs and hats, scarves and gloves. We ask that all coats be clean, in good condition and with a functioning zip.
No, this is not possible for this appeal.
The appeal launches on 16th October 2023 with the final date for donations on Friday 26th January 2024. All coats will have been distributed by the end February 2024.
Yes. They must be clean and in good condition and the gloves should be folded into pairs.
Once they have had a quick quality check, donations will be made available to the public as soon as they come in. Details of where you can get a coat will be confirmed shortly.
People across Leeds have generously donated all these coats for free and so we will be offering them for free.
That's mind blowing!
Last year 24 local businesses supported us and we'd love more businesses to get involved this year. Could you support us by asking your staff to pass on the coats they no longer want or need. If you'd like to support our work or collaborate with us, please get in touch by emailing info@zerowasteleeds.org.uk.