As most South Africans pull their blankets out of storage and dust off their winter gear to face the chilly weather, children, the elderly and other vulnerable members of the Alexandra Township community wonder how they’re going to make it through another brutal Johannesburg winter.

“Many homes in Alex, especially informal dwellings, lack adequate insulation to keep the inhabitants warm. As such, people turn to the use of paraffin stoves and lamps, as well as fires to provide heat. The problem with this is that these are all very dangerous and often cause fires in the township,” says Muziwethu Zwane, CEO at Rays of Hope, a non-profit and public benefit organisation that hosts the annual #WarmUpAlex initiative to assist people in the community.

While times may be tough for all South Africans right now, there are many ways in addition to monetary donations, that you can help people living in Alex without breaking the bank.  Here are a few practical ideas.

1. Part ways with your pre-loved winter gear that you no longer use
   A quick scan of your wardrobe will probably reveal at least five to six items of winter clothing that you haven’t worn in a good few year – that chunky old jersey your grandmother knitted you or the woolly scarf from high school are the type of items you can easily part with. Rays of Hope has provided several convenient drop off locations where generous Jo’burgers can donate their pre-loved goods.
   
   
2. Donate old blankets
   Whether they have a little stain on them that’s forced them to the back of the storage cupboard, or you’ve simply forgotten you had them, your old blankets, comforters, and duvets will be well received by Alex residents who struggle to keep warm in their beds in minus-degree weather.
   
   
3. Ask your company to get involved
   Whether it’s by asking colleagues to bring in their old warm clothing, blankets, and non-perishables to donate or by asking your employer to consider sponsoring a winter warmth hamper at a cost of just R 400, there are many ways that businesses can get involved and play their part.
   
   
4. Keep an eye on supermarket specials
   When scanning the aisles and papers for grocery specials for your own home, keep an eye out for items like canned goods, pasta, rice, maize meal, stock cubes, and soup sachets, all of which will go a long way to keeping the hearts and bellies of people in Alex warm this winter. You can also reach out to friends and family to start a food hamper collection to make an even bigger impact.
   
   
5. Start a knitting or crochet club
   If you don’t have anything on hand to donate but do have some time on your hands, why not rope in a few friends and start a knitting group to create much-needed items like mittens, hats, scarves, and blankets. Not only is it great fun and an opportunity to socialise, but it would also be appreciated by people in need.

In the spirit of togetherness that South Africans are known for, consider these and other ways that a small gesture on your part can make a big difference in the lives of people living in Alexandra this winter.

The details of Rays of Hope drop-off locations are as follows:

Rays of Hope Sandton Office –
Rosebank Union Church,
cnr William Nicol Dr & St Andrews Rd,
Hurlingham,
Sandton

Rays of Hope Alex Office
2 Lupin Avenue,
Marlboro Gardens

Click here for more information on the Rays of Hope #WarmUpAlex initiative and donations details.