Staff from the Department of Health and Social Care have been collecting gifts from colleagues and local businesses to support homeless people this Christmas.
The gifts were given to service users of Graih – a small, local charity which supports homeless people and those in temporary or unsuitable accommodation – at its Christmas party on Saturday 17 December. Graih relies entirely on donations to fund its work.
The Adult Social Care Directorate is extending its thanks to all who donated gifts to be passed on, which will make a difference for people who are homeless this Christmas.
Cath Hayhow, Director of Adult Social Care, said:
'Donations, from so many sources, have been very generous. A member of staff, who volunteers at Graih, commented on their amazement at the generosity shown by local retailers. Owners of shops were reported to be putting piles of items into bags for staff to take. Some even took the time to repair stock which was unsaleable due to a flaw and then donated it. It’s been a fantastic community effort.'
Several local retail businesses were approached and donated most generously: Curpheys, Intersport, Whistles, Dukes, Co-op, Millets, Peacocks, Newsons, Cotton Traders, and Shoprite.
