Rushcliffe Borough Council and local homeless charity the Friary have praised the generosity of residents who collectively donated over 12 tonnes of food and clothing to those in need. Residents across the Borough donated items when they placed their bin out for collection on the weeks of (January 7-11) and the authority’s waste team have been busy collecting the charitable gifts.

It is estimated that the number of donations has increased by a massive two tonnes since a similar effort in January last year. Deputy Leader Cllr Debbie Mason said: “The staggering number of clothes and food items donated this year is a wonderful achievement for the Borough. “Last year the waste teams collected a phenomenal 10 tonnes of donated items, so to surpass that figure this year is a true testament to the generosity of residents.

“It is magnificent how people have entered the spirit of this effort and ensured items are recycled in a manner where they will be warmly received by those who need them most.” Rushcliffe Borough Council’s waste teams have been dedicating extra hours to the cause by spending longer on their collections this week to collect the many donations. Volunteers will soon begin sorting the items so they can be used at the charity’s centre in West Bridgford, which offers advice, health and practical support services to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Sam Crawford, Chief Executive of the Friary said: “A massive thank you once again to the amazingly generous people of Rushcliffe. “These donations will now go straight to those in crisis and provide further basic essentials they require. “This will really help the Friary to continue assisting local people in need on their journey to recovery and independence.”
Visit @theFriary88 on twitter, www.the-friary.org.uk or call 0115 982 5448 to find out more about their services, how to contact them and how you can become involved in supporting their work.

Rushcliffe Borough Council staff also contributed to the collection efforts with a reverse advent calendar at their sites at Rushcliffe Arena, Rushcliffe Community Contact Centre and Abbey Road depot offices, that amassed hundreds of items.