WINTER WARMERS: Our campaign is off to a great start

So far, more than 60 items have been donated across the various different drop-off points.

From brand-new coats, to cosy blankets, we are very grateful for every winter item which has been kindly given to help spread the warmth this winter.

This campaign benefits two different groups of people in our communities – the elderly and homeless. We have teamed up with Worthing Churches Homeless Projects (WCHP), and Age UK West Sussex, which is based in Littlehampton and also offers services in Worthing, Lancing and Shoreham.

Ron Kerly, who lives in Mile Oak, donated more than a dozen items to the Shoreham branch of Age UK West Sussex on Tuesday.

The 75-year-old said: “I read about the campaign in the Herald and like to do my bit to help older people so thought this was ideal.

“My wife is in a nursing home, so I know very well how important it is to keep warm.”

Kathy Hill, of Humber Close, Littlehampton, is someone who would benefit from an extra layer.

She said: “My health is not so good as I have lung disease, so I really feel the cold.

“I think this campaign is brilliant because I often put on extra layers to keep warm rather than put the heating on. There are some people who can’t afford to pay for heating so this will be essential to them.”

Any layer you can spare will help, be it a coat, scarves, hats, gloves or blankets. Individuals, schools, businesses and community groups can all take part in our Winter Warmers campaign.

The paper will run stories about some of the items which are donated, showing who has donated an item and who has received it.

If you want to get involved, call reporter Sarah Dale on 01903 282363.

Where to donate:

-Worthing Herald office, Cannon House Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA

-Worthing Churches Homeless Projects charity shop, 117 Montague Street, Worthing, BN11 3BP

-Age UK West Sussex charity shop, 15B Surrey Street, Littlehampton.

-Our new additional drop-off point is Age UK West Sussex charity shop, Unit 1, The Vinery, Burnswick Road, Shoreham, BN43 5ZA.

Age UK West Sussex and Worthing Churches Homeless Projects have specifically asked for coats, hats, scarves, gloves and blankets to be donated.

We cannot accept other items, such as duvets or socks.

All donated items need to be in a clean and wearable condition.