As temperatures begin to fall, a winter collection in Poznań is seeking practical items for people who may struggle to afford warm clothing, suitable footwear and a reliable way to carry hot food and drinks.
Caritas of the Archdiocese of Poznań is organising its annual collection ahead of winter, working with religious communities that run soup kitchens and other organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Donations will be distributed by nuns working at four soup kitchens across Poznań, helping people prepare for colder weather. The appeal focuses on everyday essentials that can make a real difference to those living on very limited incomes, including older people, people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.
What items are needed?
The collection is seeking the following winter essentials:
Warm hats
Scarves and gloves
Neck warmers
Fleece jackets and warm sweatshirts
Winter footwear
Thermoses and insulated food flasks
The items are intended for people who may have little money left after paying for accommodation, bills and food. For someone living in a property without heating, or in an unheated makeshift shelter, a warm layer of clothing can be an important part of getting through the coldest months.
Insulated flasks also serve a practical purpose. They allow people to take hot tea or soup with them and keep it warm after soup kitchens have closed for the day.
Where can donations be dropped off?
Residents are encouraged to check whether their local parish is participating in the collection. Where arrangements are in place, donations can be handed to the local Caritas volunteer team.
Items can also be delivered directly to the main Caritas Poznań office at Rynek Wildecki 4a.
The collection information supplied by the organisers lists opening hours of 09:00 to 15:00, with a deadline of 5th November.
Donations should be new or, where second-hand items are accepted, in very good condition. As the stated deadline is 5th November, anyone planning to donate after that date should contact the organisers first to check whether the collection is still accepting items.
Financial contributions can also be made through the organisation's online campaign, Bezdomność to nie wybór, bądź częścią zmiany (Homelessness Is Not a Choice, Be Part of the Change).
Why the condition of donated items matters
The organisers are asking people to consider the condition of anything they give away. Charities can receive large quantities of unwanted clothing, some of which is too worn, damaged or unsuitable to distribute.
Items that are clean, intact and ready to use are more likely to provide immediate help. The principle is straightforward: donations should offer recipients something useful while respecting their dignity.
For people facing financial hardship, buying a winter coat, replacing worn-out shoes or purchasing an insulated flask may be beyond their means. Providing these essentials can help address a specific need without adding to the volume of unusable items charities must sort and dispose of.
See more: Overnight Shelter Opens at Krańcowa 10 as Poznań Prepares for Colder Months
