WINTER WARMERS: Warmth brough to lives of hundreds

Since the start of December, bag fulls of coats, hats, scarves and blankets have been donated.

Half of them have been distributed to Age UK West Sussex, and half to Worthing Churches Homeless Projects (WCHP).

About 150 people who are supported by WCHP have received warm items. The rest of the donations are being stored by the charity to give out in the future.

One homeless person, who did not want to be named, said the items he was given were a great help, and he sleeps in the hat and scarf he received.

Another said he uses the warm items to keep him warm against the wind when he is on the seafront passing time.

Chris Dunn-Coleman, manager of the charity’s St Clare’s Day Centre, said: “In the midst of winter, and as the temperatures are dipping below freezing again, it’s a great help that we have items of warm clothing including hats, scarves and gloves to give out to people in need.

“On behalf of all who work here and use the service, thank you for your support. It does make a difference.”

Age UK West Sussex has distributed dozens of winter items, which have been generously donated by our readers. Sue Rixon, manager The Tamarisk Centre, one of the charity’s services in Littlehampton, said: “We have given out nearly 100 winter items, such as coats, hats and scarves to older people who will benefit from them during the winter period. The donations from members of public have been overwhelming and such thought has gone into the hand-knitted scarves, hats and gloves to enable someone to stay warm.

“Thank you to everyone who has made this campaign a success.”