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Winter clothes, a hot meal and a warm welcome were on offer for those in need at a special event in Middlesbrough.
In Out of the Cold is held every year at Middlesbrough Town Hall in the run up to Christmas, aiming to raise awareness and provide advice and support.
More than 130 people came through the doors at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Monday and were able to pick up coats and winter garments, toiletries and food.
In common with many parts of the UK, Middlesbrough has seen an increase in the number of people rough sleeping, facing homelessness or staying in unstable accommodation.
Organisers at Middlesbrough Council have paid tribute to everyone who volunteered and offered services at the event on Monday – and thanked donors after receiving hugely generous contributions in recent weeks.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “As always, it is incredible to see so many services and organisations come together to support In Out of the Cold and help those people in Middlesbrough experiencing hardship.
“On behalf of everyone at Middlesbrough Council, I want to say thank you to those who made the event happen and to everyone in our community who showed the true spirit of Middlesbrough by donating coats and winter clothes to the appeal.
“This event relies on people’s good will and we make sure every donation received goes towards supporting rough sleepers and those facing homelessness.”
In particular, organisers wanted to thank those who made the event possible, including:
- Alfie Dey, eight, and his mother Anna who raised £300 from a bake sale to purchase hats/ gloves and toiletries
- Rio Brazilian Steakhouse who provided over 200 water bottles to distribute at the event
- Holiday Inn Express Middlesbrough who donated tea, coffee and sugar
- New Walk who provided storage and sorting facilities for the event
- Stages Academy who provided hot food
- Morrisons who donated bread buns
- Little Acorns who provide sweet treats
- Podiatrist Sarah Riley
- Every member of the public who donated coats, warm clothing and toiletries to distribute at the event
- All of the charities, services and community groups who volunteered or ran stalls to offer support and guidance.
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