Here at HandsOn London, we would like to thank everyone who supported WrapUp 2023! Whether you arranged a collection, donated or volunteered, this campaign would not be possible without each and every one of you. Overall, we sorted 16,500+ coats, shared with over 75 London-based and international charities. Well done to all the wonderful volunteers that made it happen!
WrapUp 2024 is just around the corner! Preparations are well underway in both the UK, and after a successful inaugural year, Berlin too.
After 12 successful years in London and across the UK, we were thrilled to welcome this wonderful city and our fantastic partners to the campaign. We are extremely thankful to our friends at the gunnercooke foundation, who are hosting the campaign in Berlin for a second year.
Our collection points this November will be held at Berlin Central Station, supporting the charities Moabit hilft, the Berliner Stadtmission, and the Berliner Obdachlosenhilfe to collect warm coats for those in need, including homeless communities, refugees, and families. Further sponsors include The Rotary Club Platz der Republik and Lands End. It is currently scheduled to take place at the same time as WrapUp London, between the 5th and 7th November.
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Now entering its 14th year, WrapUp London has become one of the largest winter volunteering events in the city and illustrates just what can be achieved when people come together as a community to help those most in need.
This year, collections will run from the 5th to 24th November at our drop off points, and from the 5th to 7th November at our tube stations; Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, Moorgate, Waterloo and London Bridge. Although we are unable to accept donations prior to the 5th, if you would like to start your own collection earlier, we can provide branded bags and materials to get you started. Our 40+ drop off points will be confirmed by the end of October.
What makes WrapUp London possible is the hundreds of people that come together during November and December to collect, transport, sort and distribute up to 20,000 warm coats. It would not be possible without every single one of them.
Thank you to all those who volunteered with us in 2023. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions about WrapUp 2024, please share a message with
wulvolunteers@handsonlondon.org.uk
'Whilst at Waterloo station one year, a gentleman was walking past and I engaged into a conversation with him about who we were and what we were doing and to my surprise he emptied his pockets , took off his coat and donated right there and then. It was such a nice selfless thing for him to do ! He had indirectly made a difference and his old coat will get a new life.'
Sid K
'Being able to help an organisation like Wrap up London gave me back my sense of helping others and trying to make a difference in whatever way you can. Even ifit’s just a couple of hours of you time in a day or some old coats you don’twear anymore, it all adds in to making a huge difference to those in need. Andnow more than ever I think if we have the ability to help others facinghardship then we should try to. I will definitely be making wrap up London oneof the annual organisations I help out.'
Monica McGhee
'Running an office collection enabled us to collect many more coats than we'd expected. We had a box by the entrance that filled up quickly, and these were collected by WrapUp with ease.
I found out about WrapUp via word of mouth. My colleagues knew about it and I myself have donated independently prior.
Our office would definitely do this again in the future.'
Sasha Platt, MarketingExecutive, Emperor Works
‘2021 was the second year that Taboola has been involved in sending volunteers to help with Wrap Up London's Coat Drive.
As the organizer I have found this charity tobe extremely accommodating and excellent at communicating.
We chose to spread our volunteers over threedays this year to suit a variety of work schedules and that flexibility wasvery much appreciated by the team.
The work itself was very fulfilling as you can see the impact you are making in real time.
We plan to continue ourpartnership into 2022.'
Claire Mullarkey, Senior Media Sales Manager, Taboola
'Our team spent a morning volunteering with Wrap Up London. The WrapUp team were incredibly welcoming and were able to share the history and impact the campaign makes each year. Our team loved being able to sort through, fix, clean and bagthe coats. It was an amazing experience to share together, everyone felt that they were giving back to something that is really important and making a real difference each year. We plan to be back next year!'
Conor Howell-Harte, CreativeContent Producer, Live Union
‘This is the second year I have supported HandsOnLondon’s campaign. It’s aim and purpose is clear - to help keep homeless people warm; and collaborating with other charities and food banks ina holistic approach to the complex issues of homelessness. My efforts are small but I’m told, helpful. The campaign team including the awesome Erika and Matt provided details and checked in regularly.
I volunteered on weekends and weekdays; my employer helped with a volunteering day. I really enjoyed discovering new areas of London. It was a real Mini adventure and amazing how much you can get in, collecting from the sorting hub in Battersea and later dropping off to charities across the city.
Will definitely help again next year. Thank you HandsOn London for the opportunity to help in this small way. If you have an employer who encourages volunteering like mine, please join us!”
Usha Choli
‘We have worked with WrapUpLondon for two years now, we value and appreciate our partnership. Our customers greatly benefit from their kindness and generosity. I approached HandsOn London for support for our homeless service in Arlington, I have never looked backed.
Working with the team has been a joy, nothing is too much and if they can help they will as they know how important simple acts of kindness are, to the people we support.
You can see the smiles on our customers’ faces, this was replicated in many services. We have customers who would not even think of buying a warm coat as they need to eat, or pay a bill. So this donation is valued and welcomed, weare very happy this partnership exists, thank you for supporting us.’
One Housing Group LTD, Linda Kelly, CustomerPartnerships and Sponsorship Manager
'JRS UK wanted to extend a huge thank you to Hands On London for the years of support through your winter coats drive which have benefited hundreds of our refugee friends.
Each winter it has been a joy to sort through and present the winter coats you’ve collected to our refugee friends. The provision of warmth, comfort and dignity through the coats has meant so much to our refugee friends. We have seen them enjoy choosing a coat for themselves and family members, with the chance to try on different styles, sizes and colours to suit their preference. This is an opportunity taken for granted so often by many of us, but for our friends it is an exciting and eagerly anticipated activity. Without an income or right to work, our friends don’t always have the means to purchase a coat in time for the cold winter weather.
Many of our friends have left our Day Centre with a broad smile on their face, some peace of mind and the encouragement to face the harsh winters in London. One refugee friend last year ran to the bathroom to apply some make up once she had chosen her coat, as she felt she needed to match the way she felt in her new jacket!
The joy you bring to our friends is priceless, so thank you very, very much for your support of our refugee friends!'
Megan Knowles, Communications and Development Manager, JRS
'The coats were of a very high standard and clients are very happy. They make a big difference keeping our clients warm during the winter months and also removing an extrafinancial concern of finding the money to purchase a coat during the winter when many have no income.’
Richard Mallon, WelfareCo–Ordinator, Sanktus Welfare Project
Our drop off points for coat collections will be live by the end of October. We will also be collecting at Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, Moorgate, Waterloo and London Bridge between the 5th and 7th November.
No, we never sell on the coats we receive, they always go to charities supporting real people. Donating a coat is not only beneficial in itself. It also works as a gateway for an individual to gain access to other services and support given by our charity partners.
We currently aren't able to offer a postal option for WrapUp London 2024.
Yes! We need coats for men, women, children and babies. We even accept dog coats!
No, we are unable to accept fur coats (but faux fur is fine).
No, we only accept warm coats. Please refrain from sharing other items that would be better used with other initiatives and charities, including tops, trousers, hosiery, shoes and rag materials. To donate other items, please head to https://droppoint.org/ where you can post these items to charities that need them!
No, we only accept warm, preloved coats!
We can sometimes accept sleeping bags, but we need to know how many we will receive. If you would like to donate one or more, please get in touch:wulvolunteers@handsonlondon.org.uk
