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A homelessness charity desperately needs help to feed 1,200 vulnerable people over Christmas

Charity Crisis is facing a huge shortage and needs to find 17,000 naans and half a tonne of biscuits in days

The homelessness charity Crisis is asking for help as it faces a shortfall in food needed to help over 1,000 vulnerable people during its annual Christmas scheme.

It is asking restaurants, caterers and anybody else with the items they want to help fill a gap that includes 11,000 porridge pots, 17,000 naans and half a tonne of biscuits.

Running from December 24 to 28, Crisis at Christmas is one of the most established Christmas volunteering schemes in the country, with over 1,800 volunteers coming together in 2021 to help London’s homeless community.

Crisis also faces a shortage of 12,000 cereal bars, 8,000 litres of orange juice and 13,500 chocolate bars.

Rough sleeping in London increased by 25 per cent in the year to September 2022, with widespread fears that rising prices will intensify the crisis.

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Richard Davies, manager of Crisis’ Christmas warehouse, told The Big Issue: “We know these are incredibly tough times for everyone, and that’s why we’re so immensely grateful to anyone who can donate something this winter. It’s only because of the generosity and support of people across the country that we’re able to help people most in need at Christmas.

Davies added that the combination of the cost of living crisis and dropping temperatures is making homelessness particularly difficult, and urged the public to support those experiencing homelessness.

“Here at the warehouse, we’re doing all we can to process the generous donations that we’ve already received – but, sadly, we urgently need more. We’re particularly in need of clothing and snacks such as cereal bars, pasta pots, chocolate and crisps which will all be really gratefully received,” he said.

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“For people who want to help but might not have items to donate, you can make a real difference by purchasing a small gift via our Amazon Wishlist, which will directly help someone this Christmas. To anyone who has already given something this Christmas, thank you.”

As part of the drive, Countertalk, a community for chefs and restaurants, has asked its audience to add extra items to their bulk orders.

“Our audience typically deals with a more artisanal end product, rather than the pre-packaged items which Crisis badly need, so we knew that the best solution was to ask our audience to add to their ordinary dried goods order – large suppliers such as Debono or Brakes will have all the items that Crisis request,” Countertalk’s Kitty Slydell-Cooper told The Big Issue.

People wishing to make donations can get in touch with Crisis’ Christmas team at ccdonations@crisis.org.uk or on 07980 701738.

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