Help others keep warm this winter
Warwickshire businesses have been encouraged to become collection points for a charity helping people to stay warm and safe throughout the winter.
Act On Energy, an expert energy advice charity offering free, impartial advice across the West Midlands, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, has launched a 'Keep Warm Appeal.'
"Over the winter, everyone can expect to see their energy usage rise and, for people who are already struggling to afford their bills, this can lead to energy rationing and self-disconnection," said a spokesperson for the charity. "Similar to a Giving Tree, we are offering local community organisations the opportunity to become partners in driving, and becoming drop-off points for, donations that we can distribute to vulnerable people in the West Midlands. We are asking for items that can help keep people warm this winter."
Items welcomed include warm socks, woolly hats, gloves, scarves, blankets, adhesive draught tape, insulated flasks, hot water bottles, reusable hand-warmers and blanket hoodies. All sizes - baby, toddler, kids, teens, adults - are wanted. To comply with health & safety, the charity can only accept new items in their original packaging. Items will be delivered to residents by the charity's outreach officers, so items must be below 5kg.
For organisations which prefer to take a collection, then these funds can be donated through the charity's website or, for larger donations, contact the communications department if you would like a member of the team to attend in person for a photo opportunity. Cash donations will go towards Act on Energy’s general work and it cannot be guaranteed that they will go towards buying a specific item.
If you would like to drop off the items yourself to the charity's Salford Priors (Warwickshire), or Birmingham office, then please contact communications@actonenergy.org.uk to arrange a date. Otherwise, donations from can be collected by the charity from local businesses and organisations.