York outreach team's festive hampers to people forced to sleep rough

The Salvation Army in York has been sharing festive hope and joy to people forced to sleep on the streets this Christmas by delivering hampers filled with goodies that have been kindly donated by the local community. 

The church and charity, which runs an outreach service to support people experiencing homelessness, also teamed up with BBC Radio York to deliver Christmas cards sent in by radio listeners. 

The hampers, which contained gifts like socks, hats, biscuits, toiletries, chocolate and savoury snacks, were distributed to around 14 people sleeping in shop doorways, underneath bridges and in parks across the city during an early morning walk out with Charlie Malarkey, who leads the Salvation Army’s York Early Intervention and Prevention Project. 

Charlie said: “Christmas is a time when if you’re without a home your problems are brought into sharp focus. It’s not only that the temperatures drop so sleeping on cold hard surfaces brings with it physical health problems, but the city centre is bustling with people enjoying Christmas markets, doing their shopping and sharing time with family and friends, which is tough to see if you’re without your family or struggling with your mental health. 

“But Christmas also brings out the best in people which is shown by the sheer number of donations we’ve received to make up these hampers as well as the hundreds of cards that have been sent in by BBC Radio York listeners. 

“We wanted the hampers to include treats that we all like to receive at Christmas like chocolates and pringles, as well as basic items such as toiletries, hats, scarves and gloves to help ease the discomfort of sleeping out. York has delivered in spades this year so thank you. 

“The feedback we got after delivering them was amazing. People were saying ‘we’re not invisible’. You have helped remind the most vulnerable that they are not forgotten.” 

Martin, who had experienced homelessness himself, gave up his time to help sort through packages ready for distribution. He said: “I’ve spent Christmas in a hostel before so I know how it feels and I’m happy to be able to help with this campaign. Charlie has supported me and my wife when we were struggling. He’s a rough diamond with a heart of gold and will help anybody.” 

Bronia, who dropped off donations from Pocklington Girl Guides, said: “We made packs containing basic essentials like shampoo, toothpaste, body wash and some sweets, donated by our Girl Guides and through an appeal to the public. Our ethos is about helping others. The girls see people on the streets and want to help them, so we’re glad that we’re able to contribute in this way.” 

Charlie conducts street walks during the week to check welfare of people sleeping out, buying hot drinks and food, providing warm clothing and signposting to services to help them move on from homelessness. 

York Early Intervention and Prevention Project, which is based at Lawrence Street, is also working closely with The Salvation Army church, based at Burton Green Primary School and led by Majors Andrew and Andrea Vertigan, to collect and distribute toys as part of the Christmas Present Appeal. 

Some of the toys donated will be distributed to people experiencing homelessness so they have something to give to their children. 

The Christmas Present Appeal will more widely support more than 700 children this year distributing around 3,000 presents via agencies to families that need it most.