A HOMELESSNESS charity is calling on kind-hearted residents to help make Christmas special for vulnerable people in Warwick district.
Helping Hands is appealing for people to support them by creating festive shoeboxes for those without a home and by buying toys for disadvantaged children.
Lianne Kirkman, who runs the charity, said: “As part of our work at Helping Hands we go out to many local families who are vulnerably housed, struggling with debts and victims of domestic abuse trying to rebuild a life for themselves and their children.
“As part of this year’s Christmas appeal, we are asking people to buy an extra toy for children in the area.
“We also need shoeboxes full of useful items for local homeless individuals, including rough sleepers as well as those who are staying in hostels or sofa surfing.
“Last year we had coffee or meal vouchers included in the boxes which proved really useful.”
The boxes can include any useful items such as soap, hairbrushes, deodorant, toothpaste, gloves, socks or scarves. Vouchers for local cafes or coffee shops are also welcomed along with clothing vouchers for the Helping Hands charity shop on Gloucester Street.
Shoeboxes should be wrapped with the lid separate and secured with an elastic band.
The gifts will be given to the charity’s soup kitchen clients and delivered to local refuges and hostels in December.
Toys should not be wrapped so they can be gifted to a child the right age.
All gifts can be delivered to the charity’s shop The Lighthouse on Gloucester Street.
Search ‘Helping Hands Community project’ on facebook to find out more.
