Dorset Council is launching a clothing appeal this Friday.

Families in Dorset are being asked if they can spare any children’s nearly new winter coats and warm pyjamas that are suitable for ages three-12.

A number of children’s centres will accept coats and jackets in all shapes and sizes – although heavy-duty styles are the most needed, particularly if they’re weather-resistant. If you’re not sure if your donations are in a good enough condition, you are asked to only give what you’d want to receive yourself.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help, said,  “Outdoor play is incredibly beneficial for children, and with winter drawing in we are asking residents to support Dorset’s children to help them stay warm and dry by providing a winter coat and cosy pyjamas. These items can be a significant cost for many families and we are calling on the generosity of Dorset’s residents to help keep children cosy this Christmas.”

There will be one week where people can drop off items, an isolation period for the clothing to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and then a week where families can drop-in and pick-up coats and pyjamas. No checks, forms or pre-booking – simply help where it’s needed.

Drop-off: Friday 4 – Thursday 10 December (subject to individual opening times)
Pick-up: Monday 14 – Sunday 20 December (subject to individual opening times)

Drop-off and pick-up points

Bridport Children’s Centre
Skilling Hill Road, Bridport, DT6 5LA
Tel: 01308 421714
Drop off dates/times: Fri 4, Mon 7 – Thu 10, 9-10am
Pick up dates/times: Mon 14 – Fri 18, 3-4pm

Swanage Children’s Centre
Chapel Lane, Swanage, BH19 2PW
Tel: 01305 557000
Drop off dates/times: Tues 8 Dec, 9am – 2pm / Wed 9 Dec, 9am – 2pm
Pick up dates/times: TBC

Wareham Children’s Centre
Streche Road, Wareham BH20 4PG
Tel: 01305 557000
Drop off dates/times: Wed 9 Dec, 10am – 2pm / Thu 10 Dec, 10am – 2pm
Pick up dates/times: TBC

Dorchester Children’s Centre
Middle Farm Way, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3WA
Tel: 01305 224220
Pick up only – dates/times: Mon 14th – Fri 18th, 10am – 4pm
Pick up only – dates/times: Mon 14 – Fri 18, 10am – 4pm

Blandford Children’s Centre
Black Lane, Blandford, DT11 8SW
Tel: 01258 474036
Drop off dates/times: Fri 4, Mon 7 – Thu 10, 9:30am – 4pm
Pick up dates/times: Mon 14 – Fri 18, 9:30am – 4pm

Shaftesbury Children’s Centre
Wincombe Lane. Shaftesbury, SP7 8PZ
Tel: 01258 474036
Drop off dates/times: Fri 4, Mon 7 – Thu 10, 9:30am – 4pm
Pick up dates/times: Mon 14 – Fri 18, 9:30am – 4pm

Sherborne Children’s Centre
Tinney’s Lane, Sherborne, DT9 3DY
Tel: 01258 474036
Drop off dates/times: Fri 4, Mon 7 – Thu 10, 9:30am – 4pm
Pick up dates/times: Mon 14 – Fri 18, 9:30am – 4pm

Wimborne Children’s Centre
Gordon Road, Wimborne Minster, Wimborne, BH21 2AP
Tel: 01202 225710
Drop off dates/times: Fri 4, Mon 7 – Thu 10, 10am – 2pm
Pick up dates/times: Mon 14 – Fri 18, 10am – 2pm

Weymouth Children’s Centre (Mulberry)
2 Newstead Rd, Weymouth, DT4 8JE
Tel: 01305 225750
Drop off dates/times: Fri 4, Mon 7 – Thu 10, 10am – 2pm
Pick up dates/times: Mon 14 – Fri 18, 10am – 2pm

St Bartholomew’s Church (Foyer)
Church Lane, Sutton Waldron, DT11 8PB
Tel:  07710 395359
Drop off dates/times: Fri 4, 9am – 4pm, Sat 5, 9am – 2pm, Mon 7 – Thu 10, 9am – 4pm
Pick up dates/times: Mon 14 – Fri 18, 9am – 4pm, Sat 19, 9am – 2pm

Friends of Stour Connect
Stour Connect Buildings, Stour View Close, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1JF
Tel: 01258 471359
Drop off dates/times: Fri 4, Mon 7 – Thu 10, 8:30am – 4pm
Pick up dates/times: Mon 14 – Fri 18, 8:30am – 4pm

Age UK Bridport Shop
West Street, Bridport
Drop off dates/times: Fri 4, 10am – 4pm, Sat 5, 10am – 4pm, Mon 7 – Thu 10, 10am – 4pm
Pick up dates/times: Mon 14th – Fri 18, 10am – 4pm, Sat 19, 10am – 4pm

Age UK Dorchester Shop
Trinity Street, Dorchester
Drop off dates/times: Fri 4, 10am – 4pm, Sat 5, 10am – 4pm, Mon 7 – Thu 10, 10am – 4pm
Pick up dates/times: Mon 14 – Fri 18, 10am – 4pm, Sat 19, 10am – 4pm

Age UK Weymouth Shop
98 St Mary Street, Weymouth
Drop off dates/times: Fri 4, 10am – 4pm, Sat 5, 10am – 4pm, Mon 7 – Thu 10, 10am – 4pm
Pick up dates/times: Mon 14 – Fri 18, 10am – 4pm, Sat 19, 10am – 4pm

Verwood
5 Aggis Farm, Verwood, BH31 6QD
Tel: 01202 827376
Drop off only: 24/7 in the green crate between Friday 4th – Thursday 10 December