Recycled Clothing Banks raises awareness and support
Working with The Salvation Army and Hands On London
Since the COVID-19 global pandemic hit the UK and the rest of the world, we have all missed our freedom and grumbled about having to ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’. We’ve been desperate to see our loved ones, spend time with our friends doing the things we enjoy and be anywhere else other than within our own four walls.
Spare a thought for our homeless community. What happened to them during our three lockdowns? They would have been more than happy to ‘Stay Home’.
- Where do you go when you are told to stay home if you don’t have a home?
- Where do you wash your hands if you don’t have a home?
- How do you self-isolate and stay socially distanced if you live on the streets?
- How do you get critical supplies like masks and face coverings when you are already struggling to survive and buy food?
Thankfully as the hotels closed their doors to the general public, London’s rough-sleepers were moved into hotels and hostels to protect them from the virus and latterly the harsh winter weather. The usual night shelters that our homeless community rely on so much were also instructed to close their doors. Whilst our vaccination programme is rolling out fast, it won’t be too long before the winter weather is back and the homeless community will be in dire need once more of warm clothing, sleeping bags, food and safe shelter.
Here at Recycled Clothing Banks, we continue to work in association with The Salvation Army by providing branded recycled clothing bins and installing them in public places with a high footfall that are easily accessible for people to drop off their unwanted clothing and household textiles all year round. They carry The Salvation Army logo and you can find them in and around retail parks, recycling centres, sports facilities and supermarket stores.
Most churches and community groups who turn their spaces into workable winter overnight accommodation also work directly with The Salvation Army. Any homeless person who needs clothing and bedding supplies can be referred to the local Salvation Army charity shop and they will be given fresh clothing and vital supplies, which can such a positive difference to someone’s life on the streets.
Since August 2018, we have also been working with and supporting Hands on London delivering generous donations of new underwear, toiletries and much-needed sleeping bags to help London’s homeless community. We have been instrumental in collecting and delivering clothing donations from supporters which we then deliver all across the country to the people who need them most.
If you have unwanted clothes in your wardrobe at home, you can put them to better use by donating them to one of The Salvation Army recycled clothing bins. The tiniest donation can turn into a big deal for people who have very little.
If you would like to help our homeless community this year, please contact us today and find out how having a recycled clothing bin can make all the difference to the lives of someone on the streets.
