With high temperatures expected to make a comeback in September, a recovering addict and formerly homeless man who is now being supported by local charity Emmaus Gloucestershire is appealing for donations of summer essentials to distribute to street homeless people who are facing extreme weather conditions.
In a bid to help others in the same position that he once was, Will Fletcher, 36, along with other Emmaus Gloucestershire staff, companions and volunteers, is appealing for donations of rucksacks, sunscreen, water, baseball caps, soap, toothbrushes, underwear and additional clothing to distribute to homeless individuals who visit the soup kitchen held on Eastgate Street, Gloucester each Wednesday.
Over time, Will began to rebuild his life and wanted to give back to the charity that helped him while helping others who are still in the position he once was: “I volunteer once a week at the soup kitchen in Gloucester city centre. My fellow companions and I now lead on this activity, loading up the van with food and rucksacks filled with essentials for up to 40 people each week.
The soup kitchen regularly caters for up 40 homeless people each week. Alongside Emmaus companions and volunteers, the evening is also regularly supported with food donations from local catering company Green Gourmet and the general public.
To donate items for the summer rucksack appeal visit one of Emmaus Gloucestershire’s five charity shops in Cheltenham, Stroud, Nailsworth or Gloucester from 10am to 5pm.