Big Coat Day 2021 - how you can help

FC United's annual Big Coat Day returns for the 16th consecutive year this January and February and we're asking supporters to donate or buy warm clothes for Manchester’s homeless and most vulnerable people.

If you'd like to buy some warm clothes for someone in need, for as little £2.79, you can do so by scanning the QR code on this page or by visiting the wishlist here. Once you have chosen the clothes you wish to buy, you will see a delivery option to 'Mr M Brannigan, Hyde, Cheshire'. Please select this option and your items will make it safely to FC United. If you prefer, you can donate warm clothes that you already own at Broadhurst Park, please read on for more details.

Generous donations
The club’s longest serving community project will work a little differently this season due to the current postponement of all club fixtures. However, we will still be asking for your support of generous donations once again.

This year our Big Coat Day is sponsored by Sheridan Lifts, who have always been very supportive of our community projects. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership.

Due to Covid-19 regulations, we have a number of groups that will be collecting items from us for distribution throughout January and into February. We are asking supporters this year to drop off clothes to the Food Hub at Broadhurst Park via the St Mary's Road End (SMRE) car park door. The Food Hub entrance is the glass door further along from SMRE turnstile, leading into the community space under the stand.

Supporters can drop off clothes during the Food Hub's regular hours of operation:
Monday and Thursday: 10.30am – 3.30pm
Friday: 8am – 4pm

If supporters cannot make these times, please contact Community Officer Vinny Thompson on vinny.thompson@fc-utd.co.uk to arrange drop off. If you are unable to get to Broadhurst Park at all, there will be a small number of collections from homes in some areas, so please again contact Vinny Thompson if you require this service.

Buy clothes from the Wishlist 
This year, we are also operating an Wishlist service. This is an opportunity for supporters who do not have existing clothes to donate but who wish to support Big Coat Day to do so. The list contains a number of items that do not usually get donated in large quantities, and those items that are required to be new for hygiene purposes. The items will be dispatched straight to FC United Food Hub volunteers for distribution. You can access the Wishlist here or by scanning the QR code above.  

Surplus donations from the Christmas Comforts campaign will be used for Big Coat Day and given to those who need it the most in our city and beyond. This year, we are happy to partner with a variety of projects and charities to distribute the clothes. 

As we approach the winter months, there is greater need for winter clothing amongst our community across Manchester. The club has already this year helped families with children who need winter coats for school, and we would like to do much more with your help. 

We are asking supporters for donations of warm clothes. Please spend some time checking your wardrobes for the following items:

• Warm clothing (eg jumpers, big coats etc)
• Sturdy footwear (eg hiking shoes, trainers etc)
• Hiking attire
• Ruck sacks/backpacks
• Sleeping bags
• Gloves/hats/scarves
• Belts
• Waterproofs
• NEW socks
• NEW underwear
• NEW thermals
• Toiletries (sanitary products, toothpaste, toothbrushes and wet wipes)

As always, volunteers will be needed and appreciated. If you would like to get involved or require any further information then please contact Vinny Thompson on the details above.