Louise Rothwell has sent this message to see if we can help.
"I was at home last night listening to the terrible weather outside, a friend put on Facebook how awful it must be to be homeless in these conditions, she read my thoughts.....and many of yours I imagine.
I have spoken with various local homeless shelters this morning in Rochdale: Leopold Court, WHAG (Womens Housing Action Group), Petrus and Sanctuary Trust who also run the Night Stop. ALL are in desperate need of help in providing items to homeless people in OUR areas. The Night Stop is for people to spend the night somewhere who literally have nowhere to go tonight! I called this morning and their available space had already been fully booked up for tonight!! L
I have also spoken with Susan Coates who runs the Food bank in Heywood.....believe it or not there isn’t any actual homeless shelter in Heywood but they do give out clothing etc to homeless people and also families who are struggling....on the list below I have stated what Susan is looking for most too and it’s not just adults stuff L
So here’s the plan!
If you want to get involved please can you ask staff members to bring in their unwanted items (list below of what’s needed) by the 18th December. I’ve then arranged drop off points for you to either drop off when you have all your items by 3pm on the 19th OR we can come and collect from you if you cannot drop off but this would have to be on the morning of the 19th December, cannot collect in the afternoon. We will then go through everything over the weekend which I am hoping is a lot and divide out to the various places mentioned on Monday 22nd December.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get involved, it will not take much of your time but will make a BIG difference to someone who has nothing at this moment in time J
Items needed for both men, women and children:
General winter clothing: jackets, jumpers, pants, winter socks, hats, gloves, scarves...
Footwear....this is something people don’t think of but is really needed
Blankets
Toiletries.....these places also have showers etc & washing facilities that they can get cleaned up in but are desperate for towels, shower gel, soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, ladies toiletries, baby wipes, washing powder.
Food bank in Heywood have said they are desperate for hats etc not just for adults but children, also children’s pyjama’s and slippers & something that can be given to a child as a Christmas treat.
Drop off points
Rothwell Promotional gifts at Smithybridge Business Centre (Smithybridge Rd near railway crossing)
Hill Estates at Smithybridge Business Centre
Renaissance House on Drake Street,
System Addict on Market Street (main street in Heywood).
You can contact me on my mobile 07540 635637 if you have any questions or if you will need a collection on the 19th and cannot make it to one of the drop off points specified.
Many thanks for your help!! May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year......lets spread some joy and happiness....what better present could you give?? J
