Nothing pants about charity underwear collection

A University of Northampton clothing drop was so successful the scheme has been extended for the winter and is now open for members of the public to add their contributions.

‘Underwear for Hope’ started in June this year and staff across the University were asked to donate new or second-hand (freshly laundered) socks and underwear to be given to Northampton homeless charity The Hope Centre.

The scheme was a surprising hit and more than six bin liners were filled with clothing – most of which was new and still in its shop wrapping – which was gratefully received by the centre.

Underwear for Hope will run from Monday 14 October until 9 December, the peak season for demands for fresh underwear for people who are homeless.

Collection boxes are located at the following University sites: the Changemaker Hub (ground floor of the Learning Hub) and the Students’ Union Engine Shed at Waterside as well as the reception of Newton building, St. George’s Avenue.

The University has also set-up specific, Hope Centre branded donation boxes if people wish to give money for the Hope Centre instead and a ‘justgiving’ page.

Paul Tucker, Environment Adviser in the University’s Safety, Health and Environment team (and pictured above during the first donation drive) said: “Although our Chaplaincy already collect other types of clothing for charity, we hadn’t run a donation drive like this before so were quite taken aback by the generosity of our staff members.

“Winter is a time of the year when homeless people need extra layers and fresh clothing, so we hope the people of Northampton get behind our bigger and better Underwear for Hope.”

Find out more about the Hope Centre.