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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Lauren Harte

Cost-of-living crisis: NI church collecting warm coats to help those struggling this winter

A Northern Ireland church has organised a collection for warm coats to help those in need this winter.

Thomas Street Methodist Church in Portadown has partnered with the ROC Northern Ireland this autumn for the Winter Coat Project.

It comes amid spiralling energy costs and soaring food prices as the ongoing cost of living crisis looks set to put even more strain on family budgets.

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In a statement, a spokesperson said: "With the rising cost of living hitting everyone in the pocket, we want to help families in our community in a practical way and we need your help.

"We are asking the people of Portadown and surrounding areas to donate coats, scarves, hats (must be new) and gloves.

"Donations can be made at any time. On the evening of 10th October we will open for people to come along and select items that they and their family need.

"Depending on demand we may run a few more evenings. Please spread the word, donate some of the items above and if you know anyone in need please send them our way on 10th October."

Rev Darrin Thompson, minister of Thomas Street Methodist Church, said this is one of a number of church run projects to help those through the cost of living crisis.

He said: "We have since branched out so people can in fact bring their donations whenever they wish as there is generally always someone around the church and I live at The Manse next door where you can drop off too.

"A lot of people are contacting us to say they will be bringing donations to us so word is spreading. It's a way we think we can alleviate one of the concerns coming into the winter and the area where we are situated generally consists of low income families and migrants."

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