News Beat
More than 750 items donated for Echo’s Coats for Christmas campaign
The Echo is supporting clothing scheme Darlington Cares as it continues to see an unprecedented demand for school uniform and winter clothing as families continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.
It can now be revealed that a generous 765 items of clothing were donated to the scheme by Echo readers throughout November. The campaign was officially launched on Monday, November 17.
Chelsea Johnson, who runs the scheme, previously said: “We could not run this without the people who donate, it just would not happen. Last year we gave out over 12,000 items of uniform. Everything from hats, scarves and gloves to shoes coats and polo tops, so thank you.”
This weeky, our campaign partner, Darlington Cares, made up entirely of volunteers and based at Feethams car park, revealed it is “desperate” for one item of clothing in particular.
Shelagh Lamming said: “It is winter coats of all ages that we are desperate for. And winter coats, rather than waterproof, because we have a good number of them. It is warm, winter coats we are looking for.”
Sarah Small added: “We put them out and they are going straight away. It is a big cost for some families, and if you have more than one child, to get a decent winter coat, it’s a lot.
“That money could be spent on something else, so it’s just nice to be able to help.”
The coats and school uniform donated is for all ages up until school leaving age and are provided completely free of charge by the service.
The pair added that winter coats will be needed throughout the campaign, and also said secondary school blazers are a necessity.
Sarah said: “If people have them at home that children have grown out of, they can bring them here.”
In December 2023, The Northern Echo launched the first campaign to support Darlington Cares, which saw thousands of winter items being donated to the scheme.
The success of this campaign led to three further efforts – Summer Essentials 2024, Coats for Christmas 2024 and Summer Essentials 2025. All of which again saw an influx of clothing and essential items being donated.
At The Northern Echo, we’re committed to helping Darlington Cares and their school uniform exchange, and we are proud to launch our Coats for Christmas campaign.
The uniform exchange scheme relies entirely on donations, and we urge people to get involved and give what they can.
Where can I donate?
- The Uniform Shop, ground floor, Feethams car park, Monday – Friday 10am-1pm.
- In A Spin Laundry Services North Road, Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5:30pm, Saturday 8.30am – 12.30pm
- Cockerton Club – donation bin outside the club
- Eastbourne Park Community Hub – during opening hours
- Firthmoor Community Centre, Monday – Friday 9am – 1pm
- Dolphin Centre – during opening hours
- The Beehive, Lingfield Point
