People are being urged to support the homeless this Christmas by donating essential items at a special drop-off point on Westside.
Contributions can be made to the homeless appeal by delivering boxes or bags of much-needed goods, such as food and warm clothing, to Broadway Plaza from now until 14 December.
Natal Chapman, the centre manager at Broadway Plaza, works as a volunteer for the New Bell FC homeless outreach programme, which was launched at the beginning of the Covid pandemic.
The football team began by organising 900 food parcels for those in need during lockdown and has since gone on to feed homeless people in the city centre.
Every Saturday evening volunteers from the homeless outreach programme gather opposite the Town Hall to offer hot meals, groceries, sandwiches, and clothing to an average of 100 people per night.
As part of Natal’s work for the homeless initiative, she is supporting a Christmas shoebox appeal which encourages donations from members of the community at a drop off point within Broadway Plaza before 14 December.
Each assembled box or bag should include essential items such as a can of pop, Christmas chocolate, toiletries, hat, gloves, and socks, all of which must be new.
The collective effort aims to not only provide warmth during winter, but also to uplift the spirits of those facing challenges during the holiday season.
The New Bell FC homeless outreach programme was launched by Sarah Greenfield, who said the scheme emerged as a beacon of hope for the homeless community in Birmingham.
Initially born out of the need to utilise the football club’s unused fees during lockdown, the money was redirected to aid the homeless in the form of sandwiches which were distributed in the city centre.
Sarah said: “During the darkest times of the pandemic, we found a way to bring light into the lives of those who needed it the most. The spirit of community and compassion has fuelled our efforts, and it’s heartening to witness the positive impact we’ve made.”
With winter approaching, the need for warm clothing, especially for men, becomes increasingly urgent.
“New Bell FC homeless outreach is very grateful for any gifts donated to help bring Christmas spirit to those less fortunate,” she added.
Anyone able to support Broadway Plaza’s shoebox appeal, or contribute warm clothing, is asked to contact Natal Chapman directly at Natal.chapman@savillspm.co.uk
For more information about New Bell FC homeless programme visit https://www.newbellfchomelessoutreach.co.uk
