Share your warmth this winter

We are relaunching our Winter Warmers appeal, supporting Age UK West Sussex and Worthing Churches Homeless Projects – and we need your help.

The Winter Warmers appeal was first run in 2011, and readers donated their unwanted clothing in their droves. We passed on hundreds of items to the two charities, which then benefited those in need.

Age UK West Sussex is based in Littlehampton and offers services in Worthing, Lancing and Shoreham.

Sue Rixon, from the charity, said: “The previous campaign was a great success as it enabled the local people to help keep warm by having a new coat.”

Sue received lots of positive feedback from people who benefitted from the campaign.

Comments included: “My new coat kept me warm and this meant I had a little extra money in my purse towards my heating bills”

“It made a difference as I could pick a new coat which I couldn’t have had otherwise,” and “I had a new matching outfit with my gloves/hat/coat, which cheered me up.”

Rachel Blair, community fundraiser for Worthing Churches Homeless Project, said: “It’s a huge benefit to have the support from the local community and at this time of year it is so much colder. We are lucky we can turn our central heating on but not everyone can, warmth is something we all need.

“It’s fantastic for people we work with to know that the community is supporting them and are actively doing something for them.”

Our Winter Warmers campaign is open to anyone, whether you are an individual, part of a community group, a school or a business – if the item(s) you donate is clean, wearable and warm then our collection points are happy to hear from you.

Hats, scarves, coats, gloves and blankets could all help to make someone’s winter more comfortable.

The Herald will run updates on some of the donations received and those who have benefitted from them.

If you want to get involved, call reporter Dan Cain on 01903 282363.