Donation rails for warm clothes set up all over South London
A man from Peckham has helped set up a network of donation rails to help people who need warm clothes this winter.
The idea behind Take One Leave One is as simple as it sounds – if you need a coat you can get one for free and if you have an extra you can donate it.
There are currently rails in outdoor areas in Brixton, Peckham, Croydon, Bexley Heath and Vauxhall, with more set to open in the coming weeks.
Saf Suleyman, 33, who helped set up stations in South London, said that anyone could come and take what they need, adding: “We ask no questions, there’s no criteria and no judgement.”
Renee Patterson, 32, who is running the Croydon rail agreed, saying: “Obviously with the coronavirus there’s a lot more unemployed people and there’s more need for warm clothing in winter.
“It’s amazing how many people we’ve had so far who are in need. It’s not just the rough sleepers. There’s people from all walks of life that have been in need of these items.”
The Take One Leave One rail in Croydon is open every Saturday from 11am to 3pm in Croydon High Street.
Mr Suleyman had heard of the idea being done before and decided to set it up to help people in the community.
He said: “I spent a lot of the last year unemployed and stuck at home during lockdown and I had an increasing sense of wanting to actually do something and contribute to the local community.
“When I saw this idea and ran it for the first week my first thought was why isn’t this happening everywhere? This is so simple. All people need is a bit of support and facilitation to set up their own thing.”
Mr Suleyman is encouraging anyone who wants to set up their own rail to get in touch.
He said: “It’s super easy to get in touch and set one up. We will send you a banner and a starter set of PPE and provide you with all the support and everything they need to get going.”
The rails are set to run for another few weeks, but may wind down once restrictions are eased and the weather improves.
But Mr Suleyman aims to come back stronger next year with over 100 rails across the whole country from November to February.
If you are interested in setting up a rail, please email takeoneleaveoneuk@gmail.com
Pictured top: Volunteers at Croydon Take One Leave One (Left to right: Renee Patterson, Joe Perrett, Sam Kem and Tanita Chondrunaiko)
