People urged to donate coats to help homeless

A relief charity is urging people to donate old coats to help homeless people keep warm this winter.

The Wrap Up campaign has collected 103,000 coats since its launch in 2011.

Anyone wishing to donate to Human Appeal’s Wrap Up Glasgow initiative this year can drop items off at the Safestore storage unit in the Dixon Blazes area of the city.

Safestore will also provide storage space at its Glasgow store to help the sorting, storage and distribution of 24,000 coats to more than 100 charities, homeless shelters, vulnerable women and children centres, elderly people in need and refugees.

Samara Said of Human Appeal said: “The cold winter months ahead can be incredibly tough for those sleeping rough or in need and Human Appeal’s Wrap Up Glasgow is hoping to offer support and compassion to those desperately in need.

“We sincerely appreciate the allocation of space from Safestore, which enables our volunteer teams to easily sort through and package up the thousands of coats donated to us for those who are vulnerable and in need.

“The charity initiative will help those in need across the country at a time when they need it most. The generous support of Safestore will enable us to sort and distribute over 24,000 warm coats to those most in need this winter.”

Last year 24,124 coats were collected in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.

Donations can be made from November 12 to 23.

Shahid Kadodia, digital and marketing director Safestore, said: “With so many people homeless on the streets of Glasgow, sadly some of the most vulnerable people will not have the luxury of wearing a coat this winter.

“With this figure only set to rise, we are very passionate about supporting Wrap Up Glasgow as they are working so hard to provide comfort and care for those in need.

“Last year we donated 1,000 coats to the homeless in Glasgow and we hope to donate even more this winter.”