Why you should donate your unwanted coats to charity this winter

Last winter, Agents Giving had a fantastic response to our Winter Coat Drive, which saw the collection of more than 1,500 bags full of unwanted coats which were then donated onto homeless charities and shelters throughout the UK.

We are continuing to push for the industry to keep on collecting for their local communities, which is especially important now the weather is getting colder.

We always have a fantastic response to the Winter Coat Drive with property agents and experts alike collecting coats for those in need.

Most winter nights the temperature will drop below zero, and the vulnerable are in desperate need for insulation to keep warm, which is why we are continuing to push for agents to keep on collecting coats and donating now.

All we ask is that you take a look in the back of your coat cupboard and dig out any coats you no longer wear, as long as they are clean and in good condition, remembering to clear out the pockets before donating.

The coats can be any size, style or colour as long as it’s a warm coat or jacket. By collecting up the coats in your office and donating on, it’s an easy way to give something back to your community.

Your office can act as a collection point for clients and your local community to bring along their coats as well.

Make contact with your local homeless charity, night shelter or even local Foodbank who will be very happy to receive your generous donations. There will definitely be a local charitable group who would benefit from a donation of a warm coat this winter.

Make the donation and know you have done a good deed for those in desperate need of warmth this winter.

Don’t forget to share with us the number of coats collected and photos of your coat collections in your office!

“The Winter Coat Drive has a huge impact on the lives of people in need, particularly during the winter months. It's difficult to truly grasp how much of a difference even a single donation can make without experiencing first-hand the difficulties that the homeless face trying to shield against the elements,” said Spencer Lawrence of Paramount in West Hampstead and Agents Giving Director.

“With this in mind, last year our office and clients did our best to raise awareness and collect donations for Wrap Up London.”

“Many people have gently used winter coats at the back of their closets that have been replaced for one reason or another, and this year Paramount will be gearing up to raise more awareness of this charity and encourage important donations to be made!”

As part of the drive we are asking all of you to send tweets and images of your collections and of course number of coats collected.

Companies including LCA Jobs, Thomas Morris Estate Agents, Chestertons, Embrace Mortgage Services, Paramount, CJ Hole, PropertymarkUK, and RAN have all joined in, collecting coats for charities including, Calling London, Launchpad Reading, Wrap Up London, Trussell Trust Foodbanks and YMCA.

Meanwhile, The Relocation Agent Network will be collecting coats for the Winter Coat Drive at their annual conference on 22nd November at the Park Plaza, London.

If everyone could collect up and donate one coat each imagine the difference that would make.

For more information on the Winter Coat Drive for you to really help make a difference to those who really need it this winter visit our website at www.agentsgiving.org.

*Michael Stoop is Chairman of Agents Giving