Crisis, the national homelessness charity, has put out an urgent call for donations to its Christmas warehouse in London as temperatures continue to drop and the cost of living crisis forces thousands more people into homelessness this winter.
The warehouse, based in Canning Town, is accepting donations from 1st – 5th December. These will then be processed and passed across to Crisis’ members to provide much-needed food, clothing, medical supplies, toiletries and equipment to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness this winter.
A large-scale operation which has been supporting people every Christmas for years, the warehouse is a well-oiled machine where staff and volunteers alike work tirelessly in the run up to Christmas to sort and distribute generous donations.
And despite the undeniable pressures facing everyone this winter, festive cheer is in abundance in the warehouse, with music and tinsel aplenty as staff and volunteers sing Christmas songs while preparing care packages and get ready to support people in the coming weeks.
The warehouse is accepting community donations between 10am – 4pm each day from the 1st – 5th December. In high demand this year are men’s unworn shoes, new underwear and t-shirts as well as snacks such as cereal bars, crisps and chocolate.
People wishing to make donations can find out more information on Crisis’ website. Alternatively, Crisis’ Christmas team are available at [email protected] or on 07980 701738.
Richard Davies, manager of Crisis’ Christmas warehouse, said: “We know these are incredibly tough times for everyone, and that’s why we’re so immensely grateful to anyone who can donate something this winter. It’s only because of the generosity and support of people across the country that we’re able to help people most in need at Christmas.
“Of course, there’s never an easy time to be homeless, but as temperatures drop and cost of living pressures increase it’s particularly difficult. That’s why we’re calling on the public to support people at risk or currently experiencing homelessness.
“Here at the warehouse, we’re doing all we can to process the generous donations that we’ve already received – but, sadly, we need more. We’re particularly in need of clothing, gifts for bingo prizes for our members, and cereal bars, chocolate and crisps which will all be really gratefully received and put to good use.
“For people who want to help but might not have items to donate, you can make a real difference by purchasing a small gift via our Amazon Wishlist, which will directly help someone this Christmas. To anyone who has already given something this Christmas, thank you.”
This Christmas, Crisis will once again be supporting people experiencing homelessness across Britain as it has done now for over 50 years, providing accommodation, hot food and companionship as well as introducing people to their year-round support services. For many, this will be their first step towards ending their homelessness for good.
Crisis will provide support services at three hotels and four day centres in London, plus Crisis Skylight centres around the country.
