Reading's Winter Warmer

Reading Station | 23–27 January 2027

Could you help keep Reading warm this winter? Reading’s Winter Warmer is celebrating its fifth year, bringing the community together to collect good-quality, second-hand winter clothing for people who need it most.

Since the initiative launched in January 2022, more than 1,500 coats have been collected and redistributed to local people, alongside thousands of other winter essentials. This year, we want to make Winter Warmer our biggest yet, and every donation can help us reach even more people across Reading.

How to donate

The Winter Warmer donation point will be located at the Community Hub in Brunel Arcade at Reading Station, near the main ticket office. Donations can be dropped off at the following times:

• Saturday 23 January: 10am–2pm
• Monday 25 January: 8am–6pm
• Tuesday 26 January: 8am–6pm
• Wednesday 27 January: 8am–6pm

What items are needed?

We're collecting clean, good-quality, second-hand winter clothing for both adults and children. Please make sure all items are in wearable condition so they can be passed on to people who need them. Our most-needed items include:

• Coats
• Jackets and fleeces
• Hats, gloves and scarves
• Tracksuit tops and bottoms
• Thick socks
• Closed-toe warm shoes

Whether you're donating one coat or a bag of winter essentials, your contribution can make a real difference.

About the scheme

Reading’s Winter Warmer is run by Southeast Community Rail Partnership and Reading Basingstoke Community Rail Partnership, with support from Reading Business Improvement District (BID), Great Western Railway, South Western Railway and Network Rail.

The campaign brings together local businesses, residents, community groups and volunteers to collect and redistribute warm clothing free of charge to people experiencing hardship in Reading. By giving pre-loved winter clothing a new home, the initiative helps ensure essential items reach those who might otherwise struggle to access them during the colder months.

Over the past five years, Winter Warmer has grown into a valued community effort, with more than 1,500 coats redistributed to local people. Last year alone, more than 852 items of adult and children's clothing were distributed, supporting 187 local people.

Help us make our fifth year our biggest yet. Every donation, however big or small, helps us reach more people and keep our community warm this winter.

Can't donate clothing?

You can still support people experiencing homelessness in Reading by donating to Tap for Reading, which helps fund local support for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.