AN army of volunteers turned out to help to those in need in York this Christmas.
The Salvation Army is getting ready for its Christmas season ahead of distributing hampers and Christmas cards from BBC Radio York listeners to those who will be spending nights on the street during the festive period.
The church, based at Burton Green Primary School, has been working closely with Charlie Malarkey from the early intervention and prevention team, at Lawrence Street, as part of a city-wide approach to support people who are struggling.
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On Thursday (December 11) volunteers joined Radio York's Georgie Spanzwick and Elly Fiorentini and the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley in Lawrence Street to help pack 20 hampers which will be handed out next week.
Charlie said: "When we hand the hampers out to people on the street they are often overwhelmed as they realise that somebody cares about them and that it's genuine.
"This year in particular I'd like to thank a few people; Elizabeth Pepper who has been helping out with this for years and years; Judith from Brough who knits Santas and elves; June and Anne who are sisters and help out every year."
The Christmas hampers of goodies donated by the people of York – and accompanying Christmas cards, written by York people for rough sleepers are part of a campaign by Radio York which this year garnered more than 800 cards.
Elly said this year they have extended their Christmas card appeal with cards going not only to the homeless, but people who are vulnerable and lonely. This year Staynor Hall Primary Academy in Selby and Vale of York Academy in Clifton also took part.
One of those donating was Gareth Unwin from Talisman Tattoo in Walmgate.
"Charlie is one of our customers and he appraoched us to get involved," he said.
"It's the second year we've done it and we put it out on Facebook and we got a very good response and a large sack full of goodies for the hampers."
Martin Hogarth, who was at one time homeless himself and turned out to help pack hampers, said: "In 2019 I was in Union Terrace Hostel at Christmas and it was rough being there on your own at Christmas. This is a great opportunityfor me to give something back."
Stuart Kelly and Amelia Scarff from John Wright Electrical and Mechanical in Dunnington brought a load of donations from their team.
Described by Charlie as 'Secret Santa', Stuart said: "I have known Charlie for years and this is a great cause. We have been donating for five or six years and every year the staff bring presents in so we can pass them on."
In addition in York, as part of The Salvation Army’s city-wide strategy, led by church leaders Majors Andrew and Andrea, the Christmas Present Appeal is also donating toys to people who are experiencing homelessness so they have something to gift to their children.
It is part of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal, which last year supported 650 families across the city and gave out around 3,500 presents, ensuring that children had something to open on Christmas morning.
Major Andrew Vertigan said: "We're amazed by the generosity of people who have volunteered and given of their time.
"More than 25 people not connected to the Salvation Army responded to The Press article.
"Volunteers from the community, York Rotary and York Ripon and St John University have gotten involved. The appeal looks like being the biggest ever.
"Companies, community groups and churches have also donated mammoth amount of toys, but we are in fact desperately short of toys from eight years up and teenagers."
If you can give any toys please contact Andrew by email: Andrew.Vertigan@salvationarmy.org.uk
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