THE community of Basingstoke has responded to the refugee crisis in Europe by donating items to an appeal launched by a Basingstoke mum.

Victoria Kennedy will travel to Calais in France this month to take some of the donated items, and find out vital information about what else is needed and how people can help.

The 35-year-old from Oakridge decided to launch an appeal after hearing about the crisis in the news.

She said: “Just seeing those images of the little boy drowned – I have children of my own and it’s the maternal instinct to think, ‘This is awful there must be something I can do’.

“Initially I donated money but it felt like it wasn’t practical enough. I decided, because I own a shop in the town centre, it seemed like an obvious place for people to drop things off. There wasn’t anywhere locally to drop things off so I thought I would start something in Basingstoke and hopefully people will come on board and help out.”

Victoria has spread the word about the drop-off point at her shop Vintage Treasures, in Church Street, and she has been inundated with donations from people wanting to help, including schools and churches.

The mother-of-two is now looking for other places to act as drop-off points in the town, as her shop is becoming full up with donations.

But she said the challenge now is to sort the items and find out what is needed in Calais and other affected areas.

She added: “People working on the ground in Calais have far more important things to worry about than responding to emails. The information we are relying on from people in Calais they are groups of normal, everyday people.

“My plan is to go over on September 25 when they have asked volunteers to clear up the camp and build shelters. I’m going to take toiletries and food parcels.”

Victoria hopes to find out how best to help during her trip, adding: “They need help on this weekend and I thought I can do that, it’s something practical. I can find out valuable information about what things are needed so when I come back I can pass that on.”

She is also trying to find out how to send donations to Kos, and is trying to find someone travelling there by lorry to take donations. If you are able to help email vintagetreasuresshop@gmail.com.

St Mary’s Church, in Burghfield, has also set up a collection point, and is asking the community to leave give items such as tents, sleeping bags and food to be taken to Calais by a group of people in Kent. donations in the church porch or at 9 Goodwin Close, Burghfield Common.

Councillor Terri Reid, the borough council’s deputy leader, said: “The tragic scenes of the refugee crisis witnessed last week have affected many people across the country and of course there are calls for action to be taken in light of this. Once we are clearer on what is proposed by government we will evaluate what role we and our partners can play to enable a coordinated response should we be required to.”

Other Hampshire councils have already offered support, including Winchester City Council and Southampton City Council.