Winter clothing appeal

As winter sets in and the sun goes into hibernation for another year, Reading’s homeless community is at much greater risk in the ice cold conditions.

New Beginnings Reading is appealing for winter clothing that could keep those sleeping rough a little bit warmer.

If you have scarves, hats, gloves, blankets or sleeping bags then please drop them at the Queen’s Arms, Great Knollys St, Reading RG1 7HL Monday to Friday from 4.45pm to 5.45pm or on Sunday 1.30pm to 3pm throughout December.

In order for all of us to stay safe when donating items to New Beginnings Reading during the COVID-19 pandemic, please take the following precautions:

• Please don’t donate items if anyone in the household has Covid-19 symptoms or has tested positive for the virus.

• When donations are made, they should be placed in a clean bag, tied closed and only one person should deliver it.

• Please use the hand sanitiser available and wear a mask if you go inside the Queen’s Arms, making sure you adhere to two-metre social distancing.