Streets Kitchen volunteers who feed the homeless on the streets of Islington

A HOMELESS outreach group is calling for more donations and volunteers this Christmas – in the week it was confirmed two rough sleepers died in Islington last year.

Streets Kitchen works across London, distributing food, clothing and support to rough sleepers.

They say they are currently providing 30 to 40 meals to rough sleepers in Islington each evening. As the nights get colder, Streets Kitchen spokesperson Elodie Berland is calling for more volunteers.

She said: “Usually we have enough volunteers at Christmas, but this year I have to say we’re struggling, so having people to come on outreach with us in Archway would be really helpful.”

Volunteers don’t have to go on the streets, Ms Berland said, help “could be driving, picking up food from restaurants, preparing breakfast bags. It doesn’t have to just be coming out.”

For those who can’t spare their time, Ms Berland is also appealing for donations. She said: “We really need sleeping bags, they go so quickly, and then socks and underwear are the most requested items. We also need PPE, masks and wipes.”

Last week the organisation received a donation of 400 pairs of pants and even more socks. Another anonymous donor gave 500 teabags.

Ms Berland added: “We always try to make Christmas outreach Christmassy – we buy presents and festive food, we dress up in Christmas jumpers. I’m going to start decorating the trolley to make it more festive. If people could donate presents that would be amazing: chocolate, toiletries, a nice scarf or a handwritten note go a long way.”

When walking around, Ms Berland says it is always nice to carry chocolates, so even if you do not want to, or cannot give a rough sleeper change, you can give them a chocolate and have a chat.

“Love, joy, sleeping bags, socks and chocolate – just your usual Christmas list,” she said.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics confirmed the two deaths but outreach workers say many more may not have been properly registered. Neighbouring Camden recorded 12 such deaths last year.

To contact Streets Kitchen about volunteering or making a donation, email: getinvolved@streetskitchen.org