Following on from a warmer-than-average autumn, winter has already delivered good falls of snow across the region, arctic daytime winds and a few subzero mornings.

And that's fine for most of us.

In fact there are quite a few of us that actually look forward to the wood fires and brisk winter walks.

People that can afford it have suitable heating in their homes and plenty of warm clothing when they are out and about.

But, unfortunately, that's not everyone.

Many people in our community - and other communities across the region- rely on local charity stores to supply them with warm garments and blankets.

Calls for donations are regularly made by charities, particularly at this time of year when winter garments are in short supply.

With the cold weather having really settled in could there be a better time to ask the generous people of Orange to open their cupboards and have a spring clean a few months early?

Is there a coat you haven't worn for a couple of years, a woolly jumper spending more time in your drawers than wrapped around you or track pants or a hoodie that don't get the regular outing they once did?

Think of the space you will be gaining in your cupboards.

Remember how good it feels to cull unwanted items and rid yourself of things you no longer need or that no longer fit you?

Think of the warm feeling you will achieve by giving and the warm feeling you will give someone less fortunate who would otherwise being facing a lot of cold, chilly feelings.

You can donate at any of the charity stores.

In fact all of them would appreciate not only clothes but also rugs and quilts.

Please make sure you hand them directly to a charity worker rather than dumping them next to the donation box.

Obviously some people have viewed the long weekend as a perfect time to off load some unwanted clothing and rather than wait until Tuesday have dumped them on the ground outside the donation boxes.

When items are however donated in the correct way the charity outlets will appreciate your donation, but the city's needy will appreciate it even more.

Because nobody deserves to be cold in Orange this winter.