ORGANISERS at two centres for Winchester’s homeless have appealed to local residents for Christmas donations.

Co-ordinators at the Nightshelter have asked for food, gifts or even just people’s time to help support as many homeless people as possible over the festive season.

Hannah Gurnham, who is responsible for the centre’s marketing, said: “Christmas can be a particularly difficult and lonely time of the year for those who are homeless. Winchester Churches Nightshelter opens every night of the year – including Christmas day and New Year’s Eve – and provides a temporary home, nutritious food and vital support to those who are facing Christmas alone and without a roof over their head.

“The Nightshelter is appealing for small gifts that can be distributed to Nightshelter residents on Christmas day, including diaries and notepads, small thermos flasks and mugs, gloves, hats and socks, and small portable radios. Items such as disposable razors, shaving foam, shampoo, shower gel and deodorant are also in demand.”

To donate, visit www.wcns.org.uk or call the Nightshelter office on 01962 862050.

Meanwhile Peter Symonds College students and staff have also been busy donating seasonal shoeboxes for the Trinity centre. Members of the school community wrapped and filled a mound of gifts for the site’s residents for them to open at their annual Christmas meal.