Pass it On, the charitable initiative which distributes warm clothing and essential supplies to homeless people is gearing up for its fifth winter campaign. Concerns over the potential spread of Covid-19 have restricted summer operations, but plans are now well underway for what will be its biggest ever seasonal distribution, supported by volunteers across the UK. 

‘This winter is likely to be especially difficult for homeless and vulnerable people’, says campaign coordinator Rachael Stewart Davis. Many peoples lives have been disrupted this year but we are determined that the homeless and vulnerable are not forgotten. Last year, Pass it On helped over 1000 individuals across 14 cities – this year they are planning on reaching even more. In October, donation points will open for the donation of quality warm clothing; in addition, partnerships with suppliers will source consumables goods such as toiletries and high calorie food items that are always especially welcome.

Pass it On focuses on giving immediate and tangible support, providing warm clothing, food and toiletries, sleeping bags – the sorts of items that are essential to improving the health and wellbeing those living on the streets.

‘The great thing about Pass it On is that everything we do is aimed at directly helping those in need’ explains Rachael. ‘We waste almost nothing; all our colleagues are volunteers, and we go directly to the streets where the need is immediate and the benefit tangible.’  While maintaining social distancing will be an extra challenge, Rachael says the volunteers are determined to continue supporting those in need.  

In August, Pass it On – which began as a colleague initiate at newspaper and magazine wholesaler Smiths News – applied for full charitable status. Rachael says they expect the transition to a fully fledged charity to be complete in time for the winter campaign. 

To find out more about donation centres and how you too can help homeless and vulnerable people contact Pass it On at contactus@passitonofficial.org