A SCOTS football team’s community trust have launched their annual winter clothing drive to help people across the region.
Arbroath FC Community Trust have launched their campaign with the Cosy Coats initiative with the aim of keeping people in Angus warm over the winter.
The Cosy Coats initiative sees Arbroath Football Club Community Trust, supported by law firm Thorntons, collect donations of unwanted and unused coats, jackets, hats and scarves.
Law firm Thorntons offices in Angus locations will be drop off points for items which can be dropped in before being distributed to people around the county.
The campaign officially kicked off at Gayfield Park with donations also being collected there as well as Thorntons Solicitors’ offices in Arbroath, Montrose and Forfar.
Arbroath FC Community Trust then identifies families and individuals who would benefit from receiving a Cosy Coat.
The campaign has already linked up with local community groups, schools and social care, to identify recipients but is also welcoming any self-referrers, with all information remaining confidential.
Those attending Gayfield Park on a match day or through the week will be able to access the rail for a jacket should they be in need.
Last year, Arbroath FCCT and Thorntons Solicitors collected and handed out 120 jackets to individuals but want to help even more people this year.
The group are asking for donations of jackets, coats, hats, scarves and gloves to continue to keep people in Angus cosy.
All items must be in a good condition, with no rips or tears or stains and all jackets will be checked for quality before being handed out.
Georgia Carter, Community Development Coordinator at Arbroath FC Community Trust said: “It was really important for us to continue this project after last year’s Cosy Coats scheme proved such a success.
“Even if we only helped one person, we would count it as a success and so to help 120 people last year was incredible.
“Unfortunately, here in Arbroath we see numerous people living in deprivation, and we want to support as many of them as we can.
“The positive response by donors across Angus last year was overwhelming and enabled us to help many families.”
Sandra Sutherland, Family Law Partner at Thorntons Solicitors Arbroath said: “Sadly we know winter can be a very difficult time for those in need and after the response last year we knew we wanted to make an even bigger impact with this campaign.
“Donations will be accepted at any of our offices across the region so we would encourage anyone who has any unused winter clothes to please pop in and donate.
“These contributions make a huge difference to the lives of those in need so your generosity is greatly appreciated.”
One recipient of last year’s campaign said: “My family used the Cosy Coats initiative last year.
“I managed to get a jacket for myself, my dad and my partner. The jackets were like brand new.
“Our other jackets didn’t fit properly and weren’t very warm.
“AFCCT were very kind to us and allowed us to get our jackets without asking lots of questions and let us choose what we liked, which was very comforting.
“This project has made a real difference to us as a family. Thank you.”
