Residents asked to donate unwanted hats, scarves, coats and gloves for the homeless this winter

Help the homeless

Local residents are being asked to donate any unwanted hats, scarves, coats and gloves so that they can be given to the homeless this winter.

Café owner Shelly Buxton has taken an idea that was presented to her by resident David Foster, in which items of clothing are being tied to lamp posts in Halifax for the homeless, and adapted it for Rochdale.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Shelly said: “When I first heard the idea I thought it was great and really wanted to do it but we had a mixed reaction with some people worried that the items might get stolen and not go to the right people. It was then suggested that we choose a drop off point and go about it that way.”

Shelly has since spoken to The Sanctuary Trust on Drake Street and it has been agreed that items can be dropped off there and given out to the homeless.

Shelly added: “At the minute we don’t know where we stand with tying the items to the lampposts so until we know about that, taking them to the drop off point is the best idea. We can then adapt it from there once we know our position with the council.”

Shelly and staff at Shelly B’s Café are also starting up a collection so that homeless people can go to the café and have food and hot drinks.

She added: “There was an idea last year in which it was suggested that we start a collection and then the homeless can come in and ask for a hot drink or a sandwich and the money will pay for it.”

Yesterday (Wednesday 18 November), the idea was officially launched after David Foster presented Shelly with £50 to start the collection.

“He came in and dropped of this money for the collection so now we can start that,” said Shelly. “We can then put a list in the window saying what is available and the homeless can come in and have something to eat and drink.”

Donations can be taken to Shelly B’s Café between 9am and 3pm and The Sanctuary Trust is open Monday to Saturday between 9:30am and 4:30pm.