Over the next 12 months we will be focussing on a different area of Open Hands each month and highlighting the specific needs each area has. These will run alongside our Essential Items – which are needed all of the time – and urgent appeals – when we are running short of something unexpectedly.

We will update this page with resources for you to be able to engage in an easy and meaningful way, and in the month and area that calls to you.

 

Month	Appeal Focus
January	Men’s Clothing (Focussing on Small and Medium sizes)
February	Toiletries
March	Easter Eggs – see below for resource pack
April	Sleeping Bags
May	Food
June	Fundraising Focus, including Run Leicester
July	Bare Necessities (pants & socks)
August	Bags (bags for life, and rucksacks)
September	Warm Winter (sleeping bags/coats/hats/gloves/scarves/blankets/socks)
October	Harvest Food
November	Christmas Food Treats
December	Give Today Focus

July Appeal – Socks and Pants

Our July Appeal is for brand new pants and socks. We are looking for pants and socks of all sizes and genders so that we can provide these essentials to men, women, and children that we meet through our drop-in.

These items are some of our most needed donations (wider ongoing needs found at www.openhandsleicester.org.uk/donate). These donations are consistently in high demand, thank you for helping to stock our shelves.

If you are able, please encourage people in your community to get involved by sharing the appeal.

Donations can be brought to our Compassion Centre (19 Lower Willow Street, LE1 2HP) on Tuesdays 1-5pm and Thursdays 3-5pm.

Or, you could consider hosting a socks and pants drive, where donors can drop items to you at certain times, that you then deliver to us at the end of the campaign.

• Donate from your cupboards – any suitable, in-date items are greatly appreciated.
• Buy as you shop – you can leave donations at our supermarket drop-off points or bring them directly to the Open Hands Compassion Centre on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon.
• Give today – purchase a bundle of food or individual items to support our work.

Every contribution helps us continue supporting those who rely on this vital service. Thank you for your generosity.

Help us promote this campaign

July Socks and Pants Appeal 2026 – Resource Pack

Here are a few resources you can use to promote this campaign within your Church, school, company or amongst family and friends. If there is anything else you think would help, message via the form below.

How can we help you, help us!

We would love to hear from you on how we can help you engage with these appeals. Do you need a donations bin, or signage. Do you want to link with us on Social Media, or have you got any amazing ideas on how you can encourage people to engage with the appeal. Just pop your comments below and they will be looked at by the team. You can leave your details if you would like us to get back to you.