It has been a bumper year for donations of clothes to Darlington Cares school uniform scheme as residents have responded in their masses to a campaign backed by The Northern Echo.

The Northern Echo launched its 'Coats for Christmas' campaign, which backs Darlington Cares' winter clothes appeal, at the start of December and since then a surge of donations have flooded in.

The shop, run by Darlington Cares and located in Queen Street Shopping Centre has seen an unprecedented demand for winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves as the cost of living crisis continues and families are struggling more than ever. 

Across Darlington, residents have decided to donate to the good cause and help out others in the community.

13,000 items have been donated and 12,337 pieces of clothing have been given out to 4,393 customers over the last 12 months.

The shop is now closed for donations until the new year but contributions are still welcome and can be left at the following places:

  • The donation box in Queen Street Shopping Centre
  • In a Spin laundry services, North Road
  • Firthmoor Community Centre
  • Eastbourne Park Community Hub
  • Cockerton Club donation bin

Amanda Riley, cabinet member for stronger communities, said: "It has been another bumper year for the uniform scheme and I am delighted that so many families have been helped and so much clothing has been able to be reused, rather than being thrown away.

"School uniform can be so expensive and the scheme provides a great way for families to kit out their children for free.

"I would like to thank the volunteers in the shop who provide such a great service and have helped make 2023 the most successful yet."

Gavin Foster, Northern Echo editor, previously said: "The cost of living crisis is hitting every household in our region, but some households are suffering more than others. 

"We know how much people in the region do as much as they can to help and this Christmas, we're asking you to try and help a little bit more. 

"If every one of our readers donated an item of winter clothing to the scheme, Darlington Cares would be in a better position to see people seeking help through the winter and help to make a difference."

Readers have more than answered this call to action.

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The scheme relies entirely on donations and the following items are still needed:

  • Winter Coats (from pre-school age to school leavers) Adult sizes are accepted but they must be suitable for children to wear.
  • Walking Boots 
  • Wellies
  • Gloves 
  • Scarves
  • Hats

Everything is laundered after it is donated before being made available to those who need them.


The scheme can only hand out uniform items that are donated and although they have lots of sizes and uniforms from a wide range of Darlington schools, they can’t guarantee they will have everything you need.