‘We’d encourage anyone who can spare an item or two to drop a donation in’
A Bridlington care home has launched a ‘winter warmth’ donation drive. They are working alongside local charity, the Hinge, to call on the community to help support people facing hardship this winter.
The appeal aims to gather warm clothing, easy-to-prepare food items, as well as other basic essentials for families and individuals in the area who may struggle to stay warm and fed during the winter months. Beechwood Care Centre, on Melbourne Avenue in Bridlington, is acting as the main collection point, with contributions also being gathered by sister homes Foresters Lodge Care Home and Oaktree Hall & Lodge Care Home as part of Highgate Care’s role as a corporate sponsor of The Hinge.
Everyone is being encouraged to donate items such as ambient food (for example, cereal bars and ring-pull tinned meals), winter coats in excellent condition, new sleeping bags, thermal mugs, camping cutlery, torches, flasks and men’s thermal layers. All items will be distributed by The Hinge to people most in need across Bridlington.
Residents at Beechwood are helping sort and prepare donations, with many adding handwritten notes to go into parcels for the charity. The project offers them a practical way to contribute to a cause rooted in the community most have been part of their entire lives.
Sarah Kirk, manager at Beechwood Care Centre, said: “Many of our residents have lived in Bridlington all their lives and know how difficult winter can be for some families here. They were keen to do something practical to help, and this partnership with The Hinge gives them a real way to contribute. We’ve already been touched by the generosity from families and neighbours, and we’d encourage anyone who can spare an item or two to drop a donation in.”
The Hinge, based in Crown Community Centre, provides essential support to vulnerable and homeless people across Bridlington, including food, clothing, emergency supplies and access to practical advice. Megan Robinson, Operations Manager at The Hinge, said: “The support from Beechwood Care Centre and the other homes couldn’t have come at a better time. We’re seeing more people than ever who need help through the colder months and donations like these allow us to respond quickly. It’s encouraging to see the local community pulling together for vulnerable families across Bridlington.”
Members of the public can donate directly at Beechwood Care Centre with Foresters Lodge (St Johns Avenue) and Oaktree Hall & Lodge (Bessingby) also accepting items. For further information or guidance on what can be donated, The Hinge can be contacted directly via Megan Robinson, Operations Manager, at megan@thehinge.org.uk.
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