Brrrr, have you noticed how cold it is recently? Whether it is de-icing the car in the morning or popping our for a sandwich at lunchtime, you really feel winter all around you don't you? Well please spare a thought for those whose circumstances see them either living on the streets or in need of some of the basic things that we all take for granted.

The Homeless Street Hub is a voluntary service that feed the homeless and vulnerable (housed but equally very needy) people in Southend. Whatever the weather, they operate a pop up soup kitchen every Tuesday evening from a car park in the town where they serve hot food and drinks. The volunteers provide meals with goods either donated by local companies or bought by the volunteers themselves. Other items such as toiletries and clothing donations are also distributed through their team and on going fund raising enables them to continue their fantastic work.

Each Christmas the Homeless Street Hub look to provide a rucksack filled with some really basic but key items like thermal underwear, hat, gloves, warm socks basic toiletries and a small gift e.g. sweets. The Street Hub team are looking to distribute a minimum of 60 rucksacks this year and with your help and generosity we should be able to make a massive contribution to their activity.

Thank you for reading.