AN appeal for clothing and other items will take place in Crediton on Saturday, December 2.

Do you have warm clothing, blankets or sleeping bags you no longer need?

Could you donate some toiletries to support people facing a cold and uncomfortable winter? 

On December 2, between 9.30am and 12 noon a collection of clean clothing and other items will be held in Crediton Congregational Church. 

All items donated will be taken directly to Refugee Aid in Taunton, a charity that keeps abreast of current needs in refugee settlements and sends donated items to where they are most wanted. 

Comfortable, practical men’s clothes are especially important right now. Other valuable items are phones/tablets, coats, waterproofs, shoes, blankets, sleeping bags and toiletries, all in good condition. 

Financial donations can also be passed on to “Refugee Aid from Taunton”.

Items needed for refugees overseas includes:

CLEAN clothes, no tears or stains please. Men’s comfy practical clothes are especially needed Winter coats and waterproof trousers, especially for children Shoes and trainers Blankets and sleeping bags Phones and tablets in working order Toiletries - soap, toothpaste, sanitary and incontinence products NO bric-a-brac, toys, furniture, thank you.

The collection is being organised by Welcoming Refugees in Crediton (WRC).

WRC is a non-religious local volunteer group that supports refugees to settle into the Crediton community and that advocates for refugee issues more widely. 

WRC has welcomed individuals and families into the area following upheaval and wars in various countries, like Syria and Afghanistan. Since the war in Ukraine more people have become aware of the need for refugees to find safe homes outside their own country.

Many people in the Crediton area have responded with warmth and generosity to the needs of new people in our community. 

There is an ongoing need for practical support for refugees, including landlords who are willing to rent to those with no tenancy history, employers willing to employ people with qualifications from other countries, and general recognition of the challenges faced by people who have been uprooted.

Friendship or a readiness to engage are often the most valued means of providing support. 

WRC would like to thank Keith Barker and Kendra Ezekiel for publicity support, drivers Joel and Jon and also the firms Rose Removals and Projexe Engineering for helping with packing/transport. 

WRC welcomes interest and input from new volunteers.

For more information about the group, please contact Anthea Duquemin by email at: [email protected]  or meet the volunteers when you take clothes and items to the collection point on December 2.