UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / December 02, 2024 / Shoes are among the items most charities urgently need this winter - but footwear is not commonly donated, meaning most charities will struggle to provide dry, warm footwear to those in need, new research suggests.

As winter approaches, the need for sturdy, warm, and dry footwear becomes even more pressing, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the homeless. However, shoes are often unavailable for donation due to their prolonged use and wear.

Christian Purcell, CEO and Co-Founder of DropPoint, the social enterprise which connects those wanting to donate with charities in need, explains, “Shoes are one of items most requested by our charities but very few pairs are donated. That’s because we all tend to wear our shoes into the ground so they’re generally not in a donatable condition. Finding warm dry shoes is a year round problem - but it’s particularly pressing in winter and something that really does need to be addressed.”

Charities such as the Whitechapel Centre, a leading organisation supporting homeless individuals, are calling for shoe donations so that they can help rough sleepers keep their feet warm and dry as temperatures drop and the festive period approaches.

Ruth McCaughley, Fundraising Manager for the Whitechapel Centre, said, “For people sleeping rough, good quality shoes are critical. Unfortunately, it rains a lot in the UK. And once the rain seeps through shoes, their socks get wet. Once a person's feet are wet it's impossible to get them dry and the cold and damp take over.

“We really appreciate donations of sturdy warm shoe-wear, as they're a lifeline for people exposed to the elements all day and night.”

It is not only the homeless who find themselves in need of shoes. Buying good quality footwear is a challenge for impoverished families with children, who quickly outgrow their shoes and may need several pairs each year. This is a widespread problem, as government statistics show that 4.3 million children (30% of all UK children) were in poverty in 2022/23 - up from 3.6 million in 2010/11.

Through DropPoint’s platform, anyone can donate shoes and other items to verified charities across the UK. The process is simple: donors drop off items at local DropPoints or arrange low-cost tracked deliveries from any address. All shipments are handled with care and transparency, ensuring donations reach those who need them most.

DropPoint connects donors with over 200 registered charities and features thousands of live requests for items, making it one of the most impactful ways to support communities in need.

This winter, DropPoint C.I.C. hopes the public will answer their call for shoe donations and help provide warmth, protection, and dignity to those facing the coldest months of the year.

For more information, visit https://droppoint.org.