Kirklees charity launches community Winter Coat Project amid cost of living crisis

Kirklees charity, Uniform Exchange, has issued a plea for the donation of warm winter coats to support vulnerable children across Kirklees, as the impact of the cost of living crisis continues to take its toll on local families.

With 15,000 children in education in Kirklees living in poverty, the equivalent of one in four households, the charity anticipates more significant demand for its services, with many vulnerable families across Kirklees reaching crisis level as we head into the winter months. 

Ensuring these children have access to a whole school uniform and warm coat means a child’s attendance is much more likely to improve and allows them to focus on their learning.

Kate France, Project Director at Uniform Exchange, said:

“It’s going to be extremely cold this winter, and many children in our community are not ready for it. For many families, this winter is different to many others, with people all over the UK unable to afford heating and electricity. The pressure on families to heat the home, even with the temporary support in place, means that more children will be relying on warm clothing than ever.

“The past ten years have seen Uniform Exchange collect and distribute school uniforms and coats to over 15,000 children in the local community, enabling them to go to school in appropriate clothing. We want to continue to support these children through these freezing months by supplying them with winter coats, gloves, hats, scarves and underwear.

“Having your support in these cold winter months will help us ensure all Kirklees children have access to coats and underwear and feel happier to attend school, allowing them to be warm, feel included and be more inclined to learn.

“If you can donate a good, preloved coat suitable for school, we will find a child in Kirklees who can reuse it.” 

Last year the charity gave out 1,600 coats, hats, gloves, and scarves, but their shelves are currently empty. It’s vital that Uniform Exchange recieve public support in order to provide for those in need.

If you’d like to donate a coat, please see local drop-off points near you: https://www.uniform-exchange.org/donation-points/