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 we are expanding our collections 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

Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “This is going to be a particularly challenging winter 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.

“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 donated will be laundered, sorted and redistributed across South Lanarkshire to the people who need them the most.” 

Donations can be handed in from Monday 21 November until Monday 19 December 2022 during office hours at the following collection points:

• Auchentibber Resource Centre, East Avenue, Blantyre
• Brandongate Office, Leechlea Road, Hamilton
• South Vennel, Lanark
• Cambuslang Gate, Main Street, Cambuslang
• Civic Centre, Andrew Street, East Kilbride

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.