A PLEA is being made to make sure all children in Knutsford have a warm coat.

Gemma Jackson launched ‘Wrap Up Knutsford’ three years ago to provide winter clothing for families experiencing hardship.

The mum-of-three fears soaring fuel and food prices this year will put even more strain on family budgets.

Gemma, 40, from Knutsford, said: “Covid 19 and the cost of living crisis have impacted us all in ways we could never have imagined.

“Some have experienced mental, physical and financial hardship through no fault of their own.

“We want to help these families as much as we can and relieve a little of the stress they may be under.”

READ > Post Office at Knutsford Co-op now open evenings and Sundays

Gemma, who works as a housing officer, has seen first hand the struggles many families are facing.

This year, she is widening the appeal to include coats for men and women as well as children.

All donations must be in a wearable condition.

“It has to be a thick, warm winter coat,” said Gemma. “One that you’d be happy to wear or put your child in.

“Since the scheme began, I have given out hundreds of coats.

“The support from the Knutsford community has been overwhelming.”

Over the past few years, residents who don’t have children donated new coats and these have kindly been given back to the scheme by generous families whose children have outgrown them.

“We’ve been able to set up a coat library,” said Gemma, who teams up with social services, schools and various agencies to give coats to families in need.

“Children grow so quickly, many coats have hardly had any wear.

“This is a great sustainable project and good for the environment as it saves clothes going to waste.”

A special collection bin for people to drop off coats is available at the community entrance at the back of Knutsford Methodist Church in Princess Street.

Gemma is appealing for more volunteers and anyone who may be able to help provide storage space for the donated coats.

Anyone able to help can email wrapupknutsford@gmail.com or send a message to Wrap Up Knutsford on Facebook.