A community group in Biggleswade is preparing for another busy year of collecting donations to create care packages for the homeless this Christmas.
Community Spirit in Biggleswade is appealing for donations of any unwanted hats, gloves, socks, toiletries, sleeping bags and other items to give to homeless people in the area.
The group is a band of local people who aim to do good in the community. Along with the care package scheme, its members have gone to children’s wards dressed as cartoon characters giving out sweets, done charity work for the elderly and also made and prepared soup for the homeless.
Last year, thanks to the generous donations of vegetables from Tesco in Sandy and Gunns Bakery who supplied bread rolls, soup was prepared and given out to those needing warmth and food, particularly in the winter period.
Group founder Tracy Dorrington told the Comet: “It’s about bringing the community together. I couldn’t tell you how many people donated last year – there were so many different people, including local businesses that supported us.
“It’s very much a collaborative effort. Without everybody getting involved it would not be a possibility.
“You’ve got to embrace what you don’t know so that you can learn to understand and not be fearful.
“Biggleswade Football Club were very generous last year in letting us use their premises to put together all the packages. We’ve also got the Brownies and Guides that write Christmas cards for the elderly, as well as the children’s wards where we’re looking to set up a GoFundMe page.
“All of the things that we do are extremely moving for the people, but can be heartbreaking as well. It makes a difference for them.
“When we spoke to some of the homeless people we helped last year, it was so humbling. We don’t know how lucky we are sometimes.
“Even if you can only afford to donate two pairs of socks, it makes a big difference. It lets that person know that someone is actually thinking about them and there’s people out there that do care.”
To find out more or to get involved email tracydorrington@icloud.com, or find ‘Community spirit’ - Its Good To Be Mad on Facebook.
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