DONATIONS of food, clothes and shoes flooded in to help a Swindon project that provides shelter and meals for the homeless over Christmas

Christmas Care is taking over Buckhurst Park Community Centre on Christmas Eve with a pop-up shelter to give some cheer and warmth to those in need.

The shelter which runs 24 hours a day, welcomes anyone in need - whether they be homeless, living on low income or alone during the festive period - from Christmas Eve until December 28. On arrival, guests are offered a change of clothes and bedding. Breakfast, lunch and an evening buffet are served by volunteers each day.

Volunteers manned a drop-off point next to the Sue Ryder Shop in the Brunel Shopping Centre to gather much-needed items from generous members of the public.

“The support of the Swindon public, year-on-year has been fantastic, “said chairman Patsy Moloney, who has been at the helm for 12 years, “we couldn’t do it without them and every year they step up and help us put on the best shelter we can.”

“To know that we are giving these people a proper Christmas with decorations, a turkey dinner, hot drinks and clothes is something that motivates each and every one of us. Everyone deserves that chance to be with people and not alone at Christmas."

Throughout the day shoppers dropped off bags containing items such as tinned soup, noodles, cheese and tea towels

The festive shelter, which first opened its doors 29 years ago, has seen demand surge in recent years and its numbers jump to 65 guests each day, with up to 35 able to stay overnight.

Volunteers will run the shelter in shifts between Christmas Eve until Boxing Day

“I am very much looking forward to it,” said Patsy,” there is a wonderful atmosphere with board games, TV and music and you really see the community come together, which is what Christmas is all about.”

Tinned food, toiletries and board games can be dropped off at Swindon Rugby Club in Greenbridge on December 10 between 10am and 2pm, and December 11, from 11am and 3pm.

Donations of warm clothes, sleeping bags, footwear and toiletries can be handed to volunteers at Buckhurst Park Community Centre on December 17 from 10am to 3pm. Perishable food is also welcomed as volunteers will have the use of freezers.

The public can also give donations at the charity’s drop-off centre, next to the Sue Ryder on December 10 and 17 between 10am and 4pm.