John Lewis Donates Warm Clothing To Families

18/02/2021

John Lewis donates warm clothing to families in need

A young girl sat on a sledge holding a bag of clothing donated from John Lewis

John Lewis is donating nearly 5,000 items of warm clothing to families in need as the UK’s cold temperatures continue. The warm clothing is being distributed through local Home-Starts across 10 key locations in the UK; areas where vulnerable communities are feeling the effects most during the pandemic.

Fuel poverty has become a growing issue for struggling families in recent months. Many people have to stay at home during lockdown. This has led to an inevitable increase in heating costs, which many simply cannot afford.

A young couple checking the size of the clothing against their baby

John Lewis will donate clothing from its babywear, childrenswear, womenswear and menswear product ranges.

The support is part of the John Lewis Partnership’s Give a Little Love campaign, which aims to make a lasting difference to some of those hit hardest during the last year.

Since the pandemic started, FareShare has had to double the amount of food it distributes to meet the rising demand. Home-Start also continues to see families facing isolation and struggling to provide basic needs such as heating and clothing.

The Give a Little Love campaign has already raised over £3million for long term charity partners FareShare, Home-Start and local community groups, with a further £2million pledged last month.

A young girl trying on a new jacket

Commenting is Peter Grigg, chief executive, Home-Start UK.

“The extended lockdown continues to place great pressure on families. The cold weather brings additional challenges in terms of the costs of keeping warm and the chances to get outside to exercise and play; such crucial parts of childhood.

“This incredible donation from John Lewis and Waitrose will be brilliant for the families we work with at Home-Start and help them to keep warm and get outside, which will make a huge difference to their wellbeing.”

Pippa Wicks, executive director, John Lewis, adds; “This is undeniably one of the most challenging periods of the pandemic so far. As the impact is felt more deeply across society, we know that now is not the time to take our foot off the pedal in supporting families who need immediate and practical support.”

Earlier this month, the John Lewis Partnership also provided NHS workers with care packages to keep them refuelled and refreshed as they continue to care for patients in UK hospitals.