A mother from St Luke's Church, Holbeck is urging people to donate some of their winter clothes to displaced families in Iraq.
Lydia Mitton (wife of curate, the Revd Chris Mitton) says, “I read about the displaced Iraqis and Syrians who are now trying to survive in -15 degrees wearing only the summer clothes in which they fled their homes. I’ve seen children wearing flip flops in the snow, and heard stories of babies dying of hypothermia because the family don’t have blankets, and it has broken my heart. I can’t imagine how it would feel not to be able to take care of my one and two year old. So we've set up a Facebook page (Leeds2Iraq: Urgent Winter Clothing Appeal) and I'm delighted that people are responding generously to the call to bring winter clothing to church.
"It's estimated that there are 900,000 people displaced by the war in Iraq and most have lost their homes and possessions. I'm just glad we can send some of these families some love from Leeds".
How you can help
Good quality, clean, unstained winter clothing* can be taken to St Luke’s Church (Malvern Rd, Leeds, LS11 8PD) on 22 January between 7-9pm, or Saturday, 24 January, between 10am-12 noon. Volunteers and strong boxes (to pack items for transportation) are also needed. (An 8.5 tonne lorry with the cargo will be leaving for Iraq next week.)
* Coats, jackets, winter hats, gloves, scarves, winter footwear (including wellies), child to adult jumpers, fleeces, cardigans, long sleeved tops and new underwear.
If you can help contact lydiaellen@gmail.com. More details on Facebook page ‘Leeds2Iraq: Urgent Winter Clothing Appeal’.
Story in Yorkshire Evening Post here
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