Warming hands and hearts: The Leith Collective launches free Christmas exchange

The Leith Collective launches free Christmas exchange to spread comfort and joy this season

While many Edinburgh residents may be looking forward to indulging in the season of excess, there are countless others who will struggle to simply make ends meet this Christmas.

It is something local CIC The Leith Collective is witnessing on a daily basis as desperate demand for their free winter coats outstrips supply. So to help spread a little extra warmth, sparkle and joy this season, they are expanding their winter coat collection points to include everything one might need to create a comforting Christmas.

From Christmas jumpers and cosy gloves for warming hands, to trees and decorations for warming hearts, The Leith Collection is asking Edinburgh residents to donate pre-loved Christmas essentials so they can be passed on to those who would otherwise go without this year.

Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said; “Our free winter coat exchange launched last month and the demand for these basics has been overwhelming. 

“So we’d like to go further and not only provide warmth, but also a little sparkle and joy this season by providing a place where people can donate any festive trimmings to families in need. 

“We’re asking people to dig out their old Christmas trees, dust off any forgotten decorations and bundle up any unwanted small gifts, because it’s these little things that can make a huge difference to those who find Christmas a particularly difficult time of year.”

Warm coats, festive jumpers, Christmas trees and decorations will be available for anyone to collect at The Leith Collective’s stores at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird during opening hours completely free of charge.

No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked. 

  • The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal
    Ocean Drive
    Edinburgh
    EH6 6JJ
    Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm
  • The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird

Newcraighall
Edinburgh
EH15 3RD

Opening hours: 10am – 8pm, seven days a week

Published by

davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

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