WrapUp London 2026: Donate Your Old Coat This Winter
Where to Drop Off Your Coat Across the City
If you have a winter coat gathering dust at the back of the wardrobe, this is the month to part with it. From 2 to 22 November 2026, WrapUp London is running its annual collection across the capital, with more than 40 designated drop-off points spread across London’s boroughs. Many of the sites are easy to reach on your usual route, whether you are commuting through Whitehall on the way to work or running errands on your high street. Selected Young’s pubs will accept donations from 9 to 21 November, which makes the local for a Friday pint a convenient stop with a good cause attached. Public libraries are also taking coats, though only during their normal opening hours, so check before you set off. Fire stations are on the list too, a reminder that the scheme relies on everyday civic spaces that most of us already pass. If you live near a London museum or are planning a trip to a London exhibition this month, you could easily combine a cultural outing with a donation. Before you leave the house, look up the nearest collection point on the WrapUp London website, since locations and opening times can change. A coat that is clean, dry and in reasonable condition is what sorters are looking for, so give it a quick check before bagging it up.
The Charity Behind the Winter Coat Drive
WrapUp London has been running for 15 years, and in that time it has passed on around a quarter of a million coats. Last year alone, almost 15,000 pre-used coats were collected and handed to frontline charities. Those organisations work with some of the city’s most vulnerable people, including those who are homeless, refugees, and families living in emergency accommodation. For these groups, a warm coat is often the first practical step towards stability, especially when a sudden cold snap hits and money is tight. HandsOn London coordinates the scheme and is calling on Londoners to clear out their wardrobes once again. The project also depends on volunteers, who sort donations at launch weekends and sorting hubs. That means local people who give a few hours of their time are directly shaping how quickly coats reach the right hands. The partners hosting collection points, including pubs, libraries and fire stations, are also part of the effort, giving neighbourhood businesses and public services a visible role in the community. For the charities receiving the donations, a steady supply of good-quality outerwear means fewer gaps when demand peaks in the coldest months.
Why Your Old Coat Matters and What Happens Next
Winter is always hard on people with little to spare, and this year is expected to be especially tough. Energy bills are set to rise again, and the cost of living remains a pressing concern for many households across the capital. Decluttering your wardrobe may seem like a small act, but for someone without a warm coat it can make a real difference to their day. WrapUp London describes a coat as more than just warmth. It can be a gateway to services that help people get back on their feet, from housing support to advice and healthcare. Your donation could be the first step in that process. If you are not in a position to donate, you can still help by spreading the word among friends, neighbours and colleagues, or by offering time as a volunteer. Keep an eye on the final collection days, which close on 22 November, and remember that drop-off hours at libraries are limited. Over the coming weeks, watch for updates on how many coats have been collected, as the figures from last year suggest demand is high. Clear out the cupboard, pick a drop-off point, and make sure your old coat goes somewhere it will be used this winter.
Source: WrapUp London 2026: Donate Your Pre-Loved Coat To Someone Who Needs It This Winter
Whether you’re planning to visit London this winter or simply clearing out your wardrobe, donating an old coat helps someone stay warm when temperatures drop.
Just steps from the British Museum, several WrapUp London collection points will be accepting donated coats throughout the winter season.
Donors dropping off coats near the city’s landmarks, including the area around buckingham palace, can help keep warm neighbours comfortable through the coldest months.
