EXMOOR residents are urged to donate coats this winter to support those in their community by providing warm clothing to those in need.

Somerset Council’s libraries are reintroducing their Winter Coat Exchange scheme. With the start of the new school year, they are asking for donations of children’s and teen coats that no longer fit, but coats for all ages are also welcome.

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, said: “Following last year’s successful launch of this initiative, I am pleased that we are able to run this again as the colder and wet weather is starting to make itself felt and this can be challenging for many, especially those who can’t afford to stay warm.“

“Libraries become so much more than places for reading and studying, they become warm, welcoming, social spaces – real community hubs. I hope that people can donate good quality clean items that others can benefit from.”

The initiative helps people make their budgets go a little further. Last winter, 1,022 coats were donated and 904 were taken, due to the success the exchange is being run again.

The scheme is simple:

  • You can take a coat without making a donation.
  • You can donate a coat without taking one.
  • All donations must be of good quality and in a clean condition.
  • Coats of any shape or size, for adults or children are accepted.

Donors are asked to hand items directly to a member of staff at Dulverton library.

For more information, visit the Facebook page @somersetlibrariesuk or contact [email protected]