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An Irishman's crusade to bring Christmas to the homeless in Britain – can you help?

CHRISTMAS Care is a 24-hour Irish-run shelter for the homeless that opens its doors over the Christmas period from December 24-28.

At the helm of its operations is Patsy Moloney – an Irishman with a mission to spread a little joy over the festive season.

But he needs your help to make it a Christmas to remember.

This year's shelter will be at Buckhurst Park Community Centre, formerly known as the Dome, in Burghley Close, Swindon and will also open its doors to people living on their own and on low income.

Run solely by volunteers, the project is now in its 29th year. Last year it helped over 60 people each day, providing food and company.

They primarily serve breakfast and dinner, but no-one is ever refused a hot drink or something to eat.

There are also showers with a change of clothes or footwear are available.

Scroll down to see how you can help...

Patsy Moloney

Although able to accommodate 35 people, many will not sleep at the shelter but, on December 28, guests are free to take away bedding and clothing before heading back to the car parks and shop doorways.

Sadly, many of the visitors are Irish and may have drug, alcohol or mental health problems; yet, despite the circumstances, Christmas Day is always a great day.

Presents are wrapped for everyone and guests enjoy TV, books, games and live music and are provided with a traditional Christmas lunch.

Ideally, the shelter could operate throughout the year, Patsy says. Unfortunately, lack of funds or a permanent building make this impossible.

"I would love to have a shelter in Swindon all year round," he told The Irish Post.

Indeed, without the tireless efforts of the volunteers who work around the clock to provide a warm, safe and welcoming environment, the shelter simply couldn't exist at all.

In order to function at its maximum capacity, the project depends on the public's generous donations of food, clothing, footwear, toiletries, bedding, and their time in the build-up to, and clearing away after, the shelter’s opening period.

So, if you feel able to help in any way, please get in touch and help transform the Christmas of someone less fortunate than yourself.

For further details on the shelter contact Patsy Moloney on 01793 266904. For details on volunteering email Diane Killick at [email protected]

What the shelter needs:

As a small charity, Christmas Care is immensely grateful for the hugely generous donations they receive from individuals and local businesses in the weeks running up to Christmas.

Most years there are surpluses remaining after Christmas Care has closed which are then distributed to local charities operating in the same field.

Some years, donations of some items either exceed or fall short of their needs, so donations that respond to the specific requests outlined below are especially welcome in the immediate run-up to Christmas as, unfortunately, it can be costly to deal with any surpluses which are not usable.

What you can donate...

Adult clothing

(Warm, clean and in good condition)

Coats and jackets

Trousers and jeans

Tops, shirts and jumpers

Underwear and socks (new and unused)

Shoes and boots

Sleeping bags

(Clean and in good condition - the shelter does not need any standard bedding as this is being provided this year by corporate donors, Car Shop, Penny Lane and The Rotary Club of Swindon)

Volunteers help sort the donations

Toiletries & towels

Shower gel, soap, toothpaste, Toothbrush

Shaving items

Shampoo

Towels (in good condition)

Cleaning materials

(For the kitchen, dining tables and WCs) For example: Washing-up liquid, bleach, tea towels

There is always plenty to be done

Food (non-perishable)

Tinned food

Meat and fish

Beans

Tomatoes and other vegetables

Rice pudding

Dried food

Rice

Pasta

Breakfast cereals

Biscuits

Tea and coffee

Sugar

Drinking chocolate

Long shelf-life packets

Mince pies

Christmas puddings

Jams and marmalade

Cook-in and table sauces

Sandwich fillers

Custard

Soft drinks and long-life fruit juices

Food (perishable and frozen)

(Can only accepted these after December 17)

Breakfast ingredients: bacon, sausages, eggs

Cheese

Fresh vegetables

Books & board games

Any books or board games (complete) will be very gratefully received

Cash donations are also very welcome to help with the shelter's expenses (cheques made payable to Christmas Care - please contact for details)

How to donate:

We are only able to have a single donating day at the premises where Christmas Care will run this year – Buckhurst Park Community Centre. This will be: Saturday, December 17, noon – 3pm.