Whilst many Edinburgh residents may be looking forward to indulging in the season of excess, there are countless others who will struggle to simply make ends meet this Christmas.
It is something local CIC The Leith Collective is witnessing on a daily basis as desperate demand for their free winter coats outstrips supply.
So to help spread a little extra warmth, sparkle and joy this season, they are expanding their winter coat collection points to include everything one might need to create a comforting Christmas.
Donations Wanted
From Christmas jumpers and cosy gloves for warming hands, to trees and decorations for warming hearts, The Leith Collective is asking Edinburgh residents to donate pre-loved Christmas essentials so they can be passed on to those who would otherwise go without this year.
Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said:
Our free winter coat exchange launched last month and the demand for these basics has been overwhelming.
So we’d like to go further and not only provide warmth, but also a little sparkle and joy this season by providing a place where people can donate any festive trimmings to families in need.
We’re asking people to dig out their old Christmas trees, dust off any forgotten decorations and bundle up any unwanted small gifts, because it’s these little things that can make a huge difference to those who find Christmas a particularly difficult time of year.
Where to Collect
Warm coats, festive jumpers, Christmas trees and decorations will be available for anyone to collect at The Leith Collective’s stores at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird during opening hours, free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked.
