As the colder months approach, we’re once again joining Calling London’s annual winter coat drive to help make a difference to people across London who need a little extra warmth this winter.
This year marks our third year supporting Calling London, and we’re proud to continue working with our local communities to collect unwanted winter coats and jackets and give them a new purpose.
In 2010, Frances Manthos was chatting to a friend, who was troubled because a teacher he knew had mentioned that several of his primary aged students were coming to school without coats because their parents couldn't afford them. At the time, Frances also had young children who were rapidly growing out of their winter coats, meaning she had several to spare, so she offered to donate them.
Realising this was a wider issue, but one that she could help do something about, she started spreading the word amongst her friends, and the idea for Calling London was born. It is a charity with one goal - to make sure Londoners who can't afford to buy a coat are provided with one to keep them warm in the winter.
Frances says: "The idea behind the name, Calling London, alongside our megaphone logo, was to call London to action. Alongside some other volunteers, I created some basic flyers, and then I started writing to charities asking if they were in need of coats for their clients. The first year alone we collected 1200 coats, and last year it reached 10,000."
From 19 October to 21 November 2026, our branches will be accepting donations of unwanted winter coats and jackets.
Whether you have a coat you no longer wear, a jacket your children have outgrown or simply something sitting unused at the back of your wardrobe, your donation could help someone stay warm this winter.
We welcome unwanted winter coats and jackets in:
Adult sizes
Children’s sizes
A variety of styles suitable for the colder months
Please ensure that donations are clean and in good, wearable condition, so they can be passed on to someone who needs them.
Calling London coat drive is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when local businesses and communities come together.
We’re proud to be supporting the initiative for a third year and hope to collect as many coats as possible this winter.
So, take a look through your wardrobe, find a coat you no longer need and bring it to your nearest Chase Buchanan branch between 19 October and 21 November.
One coat can make a difference. Together, we can help make this winter a little warmer for those who need it most.