"Big Winter Coats" project helps over 500 children in Telford
Over 500 children in Telford and Wrekin have received winter coats and shoes as part of a joint community project.
Telford and Wrekin Council has been working alongside The Anstice Community Trust to support families in need or those struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic.
In autumn last year, schools across the borough reported increasing numbers of children were arriving without a winter coat or appropriate shoes.
Schools, Children’s Service and community groups were asked to make referrals directly to the Council.
The Anstice has been ordering the coats and shoes and arranged for its volunteers to deliver the clothing to the family address or to the children’s school.
Cllr Paul Watling, Cabinet member for co-operative communities, engagement and partnerships said: “We have identified a huge need for children in Telford and Wrekin to get shoes and warm clothes during this difficult time, caused by the pandemic and the winter lockdown.
“Working alongside our trusted partners from The Anstice, we have already delivered over 470 coats and 330 pairs of shoes across all areas of Telford and Wrekin.
“It has been incredible doing this. I’ve been personally making deliveries with the Anstice Trust and it has been brilliant to see the reactions of those families who have been getting our help at this time of need.”
Lyndy Boden and Karen Price from the The Anstice Community Trust added: “It’s been really great and rewarding to be part of the “Big Winter Coats” project, getting quality coats and shoes to children across the borough who don’t have them.
“We have been doing the admin, taking the orders from the Council - based on referrals received from schools and Children’s Services- as well as buying, sorting and delivering the items to families through our volunteers. We’ve been very busy in the last couple of months.
“We are very proud to partner with the Council and be involved in this project, making such a difference to those families in need at these challenging times.”