Walthamstow Salvation Army helps families wrap up for winter

As the weather gets colder, the Salvation Army in Walthamstow is helping families and individuals to stay warm this winter with a free coat event. 

People will have the opportunity to pick up, swap or donate a coat for adults or children completely free of charge at the church on 434 Forest Road, Walthamstow on Saturday, 7 November from 9.30am – 1pm. 

Donations of warm coats are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at Walthamstow Salvation Army from next Monday, 26 October until Thursday, 5 November. This will be the fifth year that the church has run this event having started it in 2021 as the cost of living began to rise sharply. Last year 500 coats were donated and found new owners. 

Walthamstow Salvation Army church leader, Major Julie Pell said: “As the cost of living continues to increase and temperatures fall, we see every day how many families and individuals in our community are struggling to afford the basics like a warm winter coat. 

“We wanted to provide practical help while giving people a sense of dignity. Everyone is welcome to come in on 7 November and choose what they need with no questions asked. Our free coat event is also a way of reflecting one of The Salvation Army’s mission priorities of Caring for Creation, as it aims to keep quality clothes out of landfill and in use for longer.” 

This campaign is run by Walthamstow Salvation Army and is not a national campaign by The Salvation Army. 

Other activity at Walthamstow Salvation Army includes a Community Living Room every Friday where people of all ages are welcome to come in and meet others in the community over a cup of tea or coffee. For more visit the website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/walthamstow