Lola McEvoy MP backs Echo Coats for Christmas campaign

The Northern Echo has re-launched its Coats for Christmas campaign to help drum up much-needed donations for  Darlington Cares.

The organisation, based out of Feethams Car Park, cleans and repurposes old school uniforms from ties to blazers and jumpers - to give them a new home.

Lola McEvoy visits Darlington Cares. (Image: LOLA MCEVOY) Families visit the shop in the Feethams Car Park and ask volunteers if they have the items they need.

However, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, leaving families struggling more than ever, the team sees an increase in demand for winter coats, hats, scarves and more.

The scheme relies entirely on donations and with the cold weather setting in and not set to leave the shop is in desperate need of the following items:

• Winter coats (from pre-school age to school leavers) Adult sizes are accepted but they must be suitable for children to wear.
• Wellies
• Walking boots
• Hats
• Scarves
• Gloves

Ahead of the festive period, there is also a call for Christmas jumper donations as many children are asked to wear them for school.

As the campaign gets underway, Darlington's MP Lola McEvoy has expressed her support and has urged everyone to donate what they can.

Following a visit to the shop last week, Lola said: "I’m delighted the fantastic Coats for Christmas campaign is running again this year - I would encourage anyone who can please take your unused coats and winter items down there if you can and give them a new home.

"This wouldn’t be happening without the efforts of the brilliant volunteers at Darlington Cares and the support of the Northern Echo.

"But most of all the huge success of the scheme just underlines the generosity and kindness of folk in our lovely town."

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Gavin Foster, Editor of The Northern Echo, added: "We are proud to be re-launching our Coats for Christmas campaign for 2024. 

"Last year, and during the summer, we have had an overwhelming amount of support from Echo readers and we want to keep that going.

"Please, give what you can and help this fantastic organisation keep going and help families across Darlington."