Many of us want to help. It’s hard to learn about the unfolding refugee crisis, see the photos of desperate people in need of everything and do nothing. There are ways to show you care and to reach out to help the flood of refugees who have miraculously made it to the shores of France and to our city Paris.
You can sign a petition to urge politicians into action, make a financial donation to a humanitarian agency or even host a refugee in your home.
Or you can rummage your closets and fill up a carton or two with clothes you are willing to part with.
There are lots of children, women and men in need of warm clothing for the Fall and Winter season now creeping up on us.
INSPIRELLE has visited the Centre Corot, a voluntary association in the 16th arrondissement, which gladly collects clothing throughout the week to redistribute to refugees, and people in need living in Paris. Refugees who are registered with a local Mairie (city hall) or with a NGO (non-governmental organization) are given a “bon”, or certificate, which enables the person to come twice a year to be fitted for clean, proper clothing.

Right now, mothers and children visit Centre Corot’s workspace located on the side of Notre Dame d’Auteuil church on Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings. Men visit the vestiaire on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Here, the staff of dedicated French volunteers sifts through the piles of clothing to help each refugee find the right fitted coat, warm mittens and solid pair of shoes.
The organizers say there is a constant need for baby bedding and clothes as well as warm winter outfits and footwear for adults.
Centre Corot
4, rue Corot, 75016 Paris.
Metro: Eglise d’Auteuil (Line 9)/Michel Ange Auteuil (Line 10)
Telephone: + 33 (0) 1 45 24 54 46
Clothing drop off available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm and Fridays from 9:30 am to 12 noon.