Where to donate winter coats and warm clothes in London
A good coat can change a winter. Here is how to make sure yours reaches someone who needs it, and what else is quietly in short supply.
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The short answer
To donate winter coats in London, contact a local homeless day centre, night shelter, refugee or migrant support service, or community clothing bank and ask what they need before dropping anything off. Clean, warm, practical coats in good condition are most useful, along with new socks, underwear, gloves and hats. Charity shops also accept coats and sell them to fund their work.
Key points
- Always check what an organisation needs before you drop off donations.
- Clean, warm, practical coats are most useful. Large men's sizes are often in short supply.
- New socks and underwear are among the most needed and least donated items.
- Homeless Link's directory can help you find local services.
- Charity shops turn donated coats into funds for their cause.
Every autumn, wardrobes across London give up coats that no longer fit or suit. Those coats can keep someone warm through a winter, but only if they reach the right place. A little planning makes the difference between a donation that helps and one that becomes a problem for a stretched volunteer team.
Ask first, then give
The most useful thing you can do is contact an organisation before you arrive with bags. Needs change from week to week, and many services have little storage. A quick call or email lets them tell you what they are short of right now.
Where to donate
Homeless day centres and shelters
Many accept warm clothing for guests, especially in winter. Homeless Link's directory of services (opens in a new tab) can help you find ones near you.
Refugee and migrant support services
People arriving with very little often need winter clothing, particularly children's coats and shoes.
Community clothing banks and baby banks
Local clothing banks and baby banks give clothes directly to families referred by schools, health visitors and social workers.
Winter coat appeals
Some councils, schools and community groups run coat drives in the autumn. Check local noticeboards and your borough's website.
Charity shops
Charity shops sell donated coats to fund their causes. It is a good option for fashion items or coats less suited to life outdoors.
What is most needed
- Warm, waterproof coats in good condition, with working zips
- Large men's sizes, which are often in short supply
- Children's coats, hats and gloves
- New socks, thermal layers and underwear
- Hats, gloves and scarves
- Sturdy shoes and boots in good condition
- Sleeping bags, where a service confirms it can use them
What to avoid
- Clothes that are dirty, damaged or stained
- Formal or fashion items that are impractical outdoors
- Used underwear or socks
- Leaving bags outside a closed building, where they can be spoiled by rain
Give with dignity in mind
A simple test: would you be glad to be handed this? Washed, folded and paired clothing tells the person receiving it that they matter. That is as important as the warmth itself.
The Light Of God is preparing a winter clothing drive for people experiencing homelessness in London. We will only ask for donations once we have somewhere to store and sort them properly. If you would like to hear when it opens, or to help us run it, please get involved. For other ways to help this winter, read how to help someone sleeping rough.
Questions people ask
Where can I donate winter coats in London?
Homeless day centres, night shelters, refugee support services, community clothing banks and charity shops all accept coats. Contact them first to check what they need.
What clothes do homeless shelters need most?
Warm, practical coats, large men's sizes, new socks and underwear, thermal layers, hats, gloves and sturdy shoes are commonly needed. Needs change, so always ask first.
Can I donate used socks or underwear?
Please donate only new socks and underwear. They are among the most needed items, but used ones cannot be given out.
Sources
- Homeless England: directory of services, Homeless Link
- StreetLink, StreetLink
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