Somerset winter coat change receives hundreds of donations | EUROtoday

A scheme wherein individuals donate winter coats to libraries has turn out to be a “heart-warming success”.

A complete of 15 libraries in Somerset, together with Taunton, Bridgwater and Yeovil, accepted donations over the winter interval.

This yr 2,470 coats for each adults and youngsters have been donated – greater than double the determine obtained in 2024.

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, lead member for communities at Somerset Council, stated: “The success of the Winter Coat Exchange is a testament to the power of community.”

The initiative is designed to assist the neighborhood by offering entry to heat coats for everybody, particularly those that could wrestle to afford them.

Over the winter interval 2,086 coats have been taken by individuals in want, with left over gadgets donated to native refugee charity Refugee Aid From Taunton (RAFT).

RAFT helps displaced individuals regionally and additional afield.

Ms Smith-Roberts stated: “I just find it really heart-warming for people to come forward to donate items that they don’t need.”

“The items are put on a coat stand and people can take them, no questions asked.”

She added: “By encouraging the reuse of coats, the initiative also helps to reduce waste.”