An appeal for clothing and washroom items to help the homeless this winter has been set-up by Croydon business JB Shakespeare.

There are more homeless on our streets than ever before, and a local business is trying to help

The long-established independent firm of undertakers – famously based on George Street but now moved to Wellesley Road – will run a collection point until December 18 at both this office and at their Selsdon branch, at 175 Selsdon Park Road.

“It is a human tragedy, a waste and a shocking indictment on our levels of social care,”  Chris Dighton, the firm’s managing director, said.

“We at Shakespeares are not in a position to take direct action but we care and we want to help bring a little bit of decency, dignity and kindness to those people who find themselves in this terrible predicament.

“This week I have witnessed more people than ever before sheltering overnight on the cold floor of the stairwells in the Wellesley Road car park. This isn’t the only place in the town where it is happening and common decency demands a better solution.

Shakespeare’s branches on Wellesley Road and in Selsdon will be taking donations until Dec 18

“So many members of the public do care but don’t know how best to respond. I am hoping to bring a bit of focus to the issue.

“The numbers are growing and growing. and it is the same in towns up and down the country.

“Cold, loneliness and bewilderment are all part of this dreadful existence. At times it must be terrifying.”

The appeal is for: socks, new underwear (male and female), gloves, and washing items – toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel, sanitary products.

All items collected will be handed over to the homeless charity, Crisis, for proper distribution.

“Thanks to Croydon Rotary Club members, I have made a good start,” Dighton said.

“And the more homeless I see, the greater my resolve to try and better things for them and for us all.”

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