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Wednesday 14 Jan 2026

Reading unites to keep local people warm this winter

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

This winter, Reading’s Winter Warmer programme is inviting everyone — from town centre businesses to local residents — to donate warm clothing and help make a real difference to people in need across Reading.

The project collects donations of good-quality second-hand scarves, hats, gloves and coats, which are then redistributed to people in need across the Reading community. Last year’s event distributed over 750 items of adult and children’s clothing to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Reading BID is calling for donations at the Brunel Arcade at Reading Station (near the main ticket office and Costa Coffee) from 27–29 January, 8am–6pm. People in need within the community will be able to collect free second-hand warm clothing on 30 January between 10am–2pm.

Donations are open to everyone, with businesses, commuters, students and residents all encouraged to contribute. Reading BID will again be working with town centre businesses to drive donations and provide volunteering opportunities at the collection centre for local staff.

This year’s programme is truly a collaborative effort, 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. Additional pop-up collections taking place at the University of Reading and through local community groups are helping the scheme reach even more people across the town.

Calum Mackay, station transformation programme manager at National Rail, said: “We’re proud to support the Winter Warmers initiative alongside our partners in Reading. Now in its fourth year, this programme is a fantastic way for us to help those in need within our local community. We encourage everyone to check their wardrobes for good-quality winter items and bring them to the station during one of our designated drop-off days. Our goal is to make this our biggest event yet, reaching as many people as possible – every single donation truly makes a difference.”

Alexa Volker, Reading BID manager, said: “Reading BID is proud to be supporting Reading’s Winter Warmer programme again this year. Winter can be a challenging time for many within our community, and something as simple as a warm coat is not always guaranteed. The Winter Warmer initiative raises awareness of this need and brings people together to make a real difference for those most affected.

“Over the past four years, thousands of pieces of warm clothing have been donated, making a real difference to people across our community. Last year alone, over 200 people came to collect clothing, meaning over 200 winters were warmer because of the kindness of our local public.”