AN INSPIRATIONAL group of volunteers who give up their free time to provide food and clothing for those in need are fundraising to keep their street kitchen running through the winter months.

Hoping Street Kitchen hands out food and essential supplies, such as clothing, to homeless people in the city centre twice a week.

But the community organisation needs to raise between £1,500 and £2,000 to keep going through winter.

As part of their fundraising drive, six volunteers will be doing a sponsored sleepout in York city centre on Friday. They have pledged to spend at least eight hours on the streets.

Lisa Price, one of the organisers, said last winter was particularly difficult so this year preparations have begun early.

She said: “We rely on people donating money into the bucket as they pass and that pays for the following weeks’ meals. The tourism and footfall fall during the winter and we won’t be able to carry it on.

“Last winter was particularly nasty and we weren’t as prepared as we should of been. We have already begun preparing for this winter and are already stocking up. We would also like to just raise awareness, asking if people can buy the homeless a cup of tea or some food.”

The street kitchen takes place in King’s Square in the city centre on Sundays and Wednesdays. The volunteers offer cooked meals, tea, snacks, clothing and emergency supplies, with help from donations from York businesses and residents.

Lisa said they particularly need clothing donations in smaller sizes rather than larger.

The project and organisers have also been nominated for the York Community Pride Awards by a number of people.

Sue Hardy nominated the organisation, saying: “The dedication of its organisers ensures the most vulnerable members of our community are supported in a non judgemental way. The ethos of redistributing food which would otherwise go to landfill is excellent.”

The group helps between 30 and 50 people at each event and the team is also working with charity Peasholme to offer advice and support.

For more information visit the Facebook page Helping Other People in Need Group Street Kitchen.

To donate to the fundraising drive visit goo.gl/Q7RYoF.