Derry charity launch coat donation drive to help people in need during winter

A Derry charity has launched a coat donation drive to help those in need.

Me4Mental is hoping the appeal can help people that cannot afford or do not have a winter coat as the weather becomes colder.

Seamus Donnell, the secretary of Me4Mental, is hopeful that the community of Derry could donate a spare or unused winter coat to help people who use the charity's services.

He said: “We do have a lot of clients that don't have one, and even in the worst winter, come in in a t-shirt or just a wee jumper.

“We always discovered that at this time of year, people were not wearing adequate clothing; their jeans and bottoms may keep them warm, but nobody was ever wearing proper warm upperwear or coats.

“People may not have thought ahead or bought a coat earlier in the year that is not thick enough for winter conditions.”

Since launching the appeal, the charity has seen a good response, but Me4Mental is still asking for donations to further help.

Mr. Donnell said: “The support of the people in Derry for those in need is always fantastic. I would like to thank those who have already donated and to those that will help in the coming weeks.

“If we have a surplus number of coats that we cannot give to someone in need, we will then donate them to a charity shop.”

If you wish to donate a coat to help the charity, the drop-off point is 18A Queen St., just above Mooney and Scott opticians.