PEOPLE in Swindon are being asked to give clothing and equipment to the homeless as part of a worldwide movement.

The Rucksack Project aims to help people who are sleeping rough during the Christmas period.

Those who take part fill a rucksack with items such as a spoon, gloves, hat, fleece, clean underwear, socks and extra food which is then handed out.

It has been growing in popularity and Donna Tofield, 40, of Stratton, is now urging people to join in and work with Swindon Christmas Care, help the needy over Christmas time.

She said: “I saw the project online and just thought it was a really good idea.

“When I looked to see if anyone in Swindon was organising anything I found out there wasn’t so I thought I would.

“The response of people has been really good so far. About 60 people have come forward so far and said they would take part.

“Christmas Care normally helps about 70 people each year so we want to be able to give a rucksack out to each of them but if we get more that would be great.”

Normally, once people have put together their rucksacks they will then go around handing them out but Donna feels that going through Christmas Care is better for everyone concerned.

She said: “I felt that everyone would be a bit embarrassed if people went out to give them over personally, both for the person giving out the rucksack and the person receiving it.

“The feedback we have had is for people to remove any labels as it can lead to bullying.

“Also, the rucksacks need to have a note in them explaining where they came from so no one thinks they are stolen.

“There is no set cost for putting them together and, with the exception of the clean underwear many people use second hand clothing or go to charity shops, so it doesn’t need to cost that much.”

Anyone taking part is asked to take their rucksack to the Queens Drive Methodist Church on December 18 between 10am and 3pm.