Angie's Angels shoe box and veterans hamper

Angie's Angels shoe box and veterans hamper

Angie's Angels, which was started by Angie Howarth and Diane Nattress in 2016, fill shoe boxes with Christmas gifts for homeless people.

Angie said: “We then enlisted the help of our friend Claire Buckley and June Beresford and we all ended up making at least 60 shoe boxes.

“It was a massive success, with people offering us all sorts or donations including furniture.

“We discussed our future and decided to make the group permanent, offering furniture support to veterans and homeless people who have got back into accommodation.

“Our next step was to apply to become a CIC (Community Interest Company) which opened up more funding streams to us.

“The group is now run by Laurence Howarth, Jenni Jones and Claire Buckley, Diane Nattress and myself, we are named Angie's Angels.

“What we provide gives a little bit of breathing space to ease the transition back into housing.

“So far, this year we have helped several veterans and homeless people with our service, plus we have secured some strong links with local agencies and volunteer groups within the community.

“To celebrate our one-year birthday, we decided to make shoe boxes again, but this time we had help from Crown oil, Glo Gym, Rushcroft Primary School, The Willows Nursery, Brimrod Primary School, Tesco, Leister House Business Centre, plus lots of donations from local residents.

“We have made 15 hampers for struggling veterans and 200 shoe boxes for the homeless.”