In Kind Direct, a charity founded by King Charles III in 1996, distributes donated products to their network of over 6000 charitable organisations across the UK. Based on the needs from their network they are appealing to companies to donate warm clothing, blankets, hats and gloves, children’s gifts including books, toys and gifting for adults to support the many people who will be struggling over the winter months.
They are also urging charitable organisations, community groups, foodbanks and warm spaces to register to join the In Kind Direct network, in order to access these essential items to share with their communities who would otherwise go without. This urgent appeal to charitable organisations and companies with products to donate, comes after:
- Nearly 80% of charitable organisations in In Kind Direct’s network say the people they support are struggling with energy costs and are worried about winter.
- 86% of the charitable organisations said the need for their services has increased.
- 49% said products accessed through In Kind Direct support people during the tough winter months.
For many people, this time of year is brimming with excitement and anticipation for the festive season, however the stark reality for millions of people across the UK is that the winter months bring added financial pressure, worry and uncertainty, with an estimated 4.2 million* UK adults experiencing hygiene poverty for the first time this year. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to weigh heavily on UK households, many are being forced to choose between heating their homes, putting food on the table and keeping clean. This choice is made ever more challenging in the winter months, as temperatures drop and utility bills increase.
Sandridge Silver Threads, one of the charitable organisations in In Kind Direct’s network, reported that: “Our members worry most over their heating bills. Food prices come next. I have already heard one person saying they won’t be able to buy Christmas gifts for their grandchildren which upsets them very much. If we can supply them with some “essentials” from their shopping lists they may have a little to spend on “luxuries” which will alleviate some stress.”
In Kind Direct’s Charitable Network Survey** 2023 reveals the products in highest demand this winter:
- Warm clothing, jumpers, hats, scarves and coats
- Blankets and warm bedding
- Toys, books, puzzles and gifting for children
- Personal hygiene products like shower gel and soap
- Tea, coffee and biscuits.
In Kind Direct believes everyone should feel Warmth this Winter; whether it’s through the clothes we wear, the warmth of feeling cared for or through the wonderful feeling of gifting. This is why the charity is working to ensure people have access to the things they need to keep warm and well.
Rosanne Gray, In Kind Direct CEO comments; “We recognise that the demand for our services dramatically increases during winter months as the temperatures drop. Our ‘Warmth this Winter’ campaign is all about working together to ensure everyone can feel warmth during these colder months, by giving as many people as possible access to life’s essentials. Our network research has revealed the key items that people really need this festive season, and we are urgently appealing for donations of warm clothing, blankets, hats and gloves, children’s gifts, books and toys, to support people over the winter months. In addition, we are appealing for hygiene products such as toilet roll, washing liquid, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and period products, to help people feel clean and well during the festive period.’’
In Kind Direct hear first-hand accounts from the charitable organisations in their network revealing just how tough the winter months can be for people all over the country:
“Winter is the worst for families living in crisis. Bills soar, it’s Christmas time, lack of winter clothing and good waterproof shoes is always an issue. The products we access through In Kind Direct help support so many of our families, particularly in winter.” Threehills Community Supermarket
“Winter is such a challenging time. It literally is “heat or eat”. We access toiletries, blankets and warm clothing from In Kind Direct which makes a massive difference to our community’’ Ashley’s Birthday Bank
In Kind Direct need your support now, more than ever.
If you are a charitable organisation such as a community group, registered charity, foodbank, warm space or school needing products, you can register for free via: inkinddirect.org/register
Are you a retailer, manufacturer or brand and have any of the mentioned products available to donate? Please contact: donations@inkinddirect.org today with what products and volume you have available.