It is against that backdrop that the council is this year once again launching its winter clothing donation campaign to help those most in need.

This year collections are expanding to assist with a variety of projects including:

• As last year, preloved winter jackets for our annual winter clothing campaign.
• Preloved bedding for our Rag Rug project (only duvet covers and sheets that can be cut up into rags) - finished products donated to SSPCA and Pathfinder Dogs charity.
• Odds and ends of wool for our knitting group - with seasonal products donated to various charities.

Chair of the council’s Social Work Resources Committee, Councillor Margaret Walker, said: “Winter can be a particularly challenging time for many people and families right across our communities.

“In the face of such challenges the commitment of staff across our services, such as our Unpaid Work Service, is only matched by the generosity of the people of South Lanarkshire, whose support we very much appreciate.”

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “We know that everyone is having to tighten their belts and so anything that can be spared will be very much appreciated.

“Our Unpaid Work Team will ensure that the clothing and bedding donated will be laundered, sorted and redistributed across South Lanarkshire to the people and pets who need them the most.” 

Donations can be handed in from Monday 20 November until Friday 24 November 2023 during office hours at the following collection points:

• Brandon Gate Office, Leechlee Road, Hamilton
• South Vennel, Lanark
• Cambuslang Gate, Main Street, Cambuslang
• Civic Centre, Andrew Street, East Kilbride

Donations can also be handed into the Auchentibber Resource Centre, East Avenue, Blantyre from Monday 20 November until Friday 1 December 2023.

Out of hours donations can be handed in to the Auchentibber Resource Centre which is open from 8am-8.30pm Monday - Thursday and 8am-4.45pm on Friday.