Supermarket giant Aldi has issued an urgent appeal to its customers across the UK as heavy snow and freezing temperatures grip the nation. The retailer is calling on shoppers to donate specific winter clothing items to support vulnerable people in their local communities during the severe cold snap.
What Items Are Needed and How to Donate
The German discounter, which has stores nationwide including in Birmingham, has partnered with The Salvation Army for a crucial winter campaign. The four essential items identified as most needed are coats, hats, scarves, and gloves.
Shoppers can contribute by using The Salvation Army’s Donate by Post service via InPost lockers situated at over 500 Aldi stores across England, Scotland, and Wales. The process is designed for convenience:
- Register the donation online to generate a free postage label.
- Print the label and attach it to a securely sealed package. The package must not exceed 41cm x 38cm x 64cm.
- Drop the package off at the nearest InPost locker at an Aldi store.
Donors will receive a notification once their items have been received by the charity.
A Community Effort to Combat Winter Hardship
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, emphasised the initiative's simplicity and impact. "Whether it’s a warm coat you no longer need or an unwanted Christmas gift that could be put to good use, this is a simple way for shoppers to support people in their communities during the colder months," he said.
He highlighted the convenience of the InPost locker network, making donating "quick and convenient" as part of a regular shopping trip.
How Donations Make a Real Difference
Shaunacy Burne, Corporate Donation Manager at Salvation Army Trading Company, explained the vital role of the donations. "Items donated through this scheme will be sold to help fund essential support for people facing hardship," she stated.
"Winter can be an especially challenging time, and access to warm clothing can make a real difference. We’re grateful to Aldi and its customers for their generosity."
Paul Selvey, Network Director at InPost UK, added that the partnership makes donating "as easy as dropping off a parcel," integrating charitable giving into everyday routines.
This campaign builds on a two-year partnership between Aldi and The Salvation Army, announced earlier this year, which supports the charity's community work across the UK. The expansion of Aldi's collaboration with InPost has been key to facilitating this widespread donation drive.
