Today, The Northern Echo is launching its 'Coats for Christmas' winter appeal to aid a lifeline Darlington clothing scheme's need for winter clothes amid unprecedented demand.

Darlington Cares, located in Feethams Car Park, has seen an increase in the demand for winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, and families are hit harder than ever.

The team have seen a steady increase in calls for winter clothing, and as the cold weather finally sets in donations are needed more than ever to help the scheme match the demand.

(Image: STUART BOULTON) This winter, The Northern Echo is again supporting Darlington Cares with the scheme to ensure anybody who needs help and support with winter clothing can find it at the shop.

The scheme relies entirely on donations and we are calling on you to help. The cold weather doesn't look set to leave and 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.

Chelsea Johnson, from Darlington Cares said: "We are in desperate need of winter coats. This time of year, we do get so many people asking for them.

"We do tend to give out a lot of smaller sizes for little ones. We are always looking for anything from nursery to secondary school age.

"Buying coats, especially winter coats, can be expensive for parents."

This is the second year of the Coats for Christmas campaign after the roaring success of the first.

Thanks to the readers of The Northern Echo, and people in and around Darlington, hundreds of donations of coats and more were donated to the exchange last Christmas.

Chelsea added: "Last year's response was really good - we had rails of coats we had to store upstairs. They were just piled up.

"2023 was just amazing - it shows what kind and giving people we have here in Darlington. Have a sort out and look through your clothes, find out what doesn't fit and donate it to us.

"We are always so incredibly grateful. We have had some donated so far but we need that push to remind people that we do take coats."

​Read more about Darlington Cares:

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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.

"If every one of our readers donated an item of winter clothing to the scheme, Darlington Cares would be in a better position to see people seeking help through the winter and help to make a difference."

Here's how you can make a difference. If you or anyone you know has anything that they can donate, you can do so at the donation points below:

  • The Dolphin Centre
  • Cockerton Club (Donation Box)
  • Firthmoor Community Centre
  • Eastbourne Park Community Hub
  • In A Spin Laundry Services