BIGHEARTED residents are being urged to help give food and warmth to the homeless this Christmas.

The Harlow Chocolate Run, based in Bush House, Bush Fair, is looking to recruit caring volunteers to run its Christmas shelter at the Abercrombie Centre during the festive season.

And organisers are also asking residents to donate food, clothes and blankets to help them make Christmas as comfortable as possible for people living on the streets.

One volunteer Margaret Gotobey said: "If you like people and you feel you would like to help someone else, then this can be a rewarding experience."

She explained how the Chocolate Run had already recruited 28 volunteers, who during their four-hour shifts will give out food, provide beds, and make people feel welcome in the refuge.

All homeless people are invited to stay at the shelter, which will be situated in the playbarn at the Abercrombie Centre, Abercrombie Way, Harlow, from December 19 to January 1.

This is the fifth year the charity has set up a safe haven during the Christmas period, and organisers hope more volunteers will step forward to make sure the shelter is a success this year.

But the festive season is not the only time the Chocolate Run helps the needy.

The 24-year-old charity has dedicated teams of volunteers who take food and blankets to London's homeless community three times a week.

Taking hot chocolate, cakes and non-perishable foods, and befriending the homeless, the Chocolate Run group are busy visiting the capital's streets.

Harlow resident Mike Granger, who has been a volunteer for ten years, said: "I got involved because I had a good job and a roof over my head, which I realised was a bonus in life. So I thought I would help someone else.

"If more people thought about these homeless people and the poverty out there on the streets, they would help."

Mr Granger said volunteers and donations were also needed for this all-year-round service, which also provides food for former homeless Harlow residents during the first week in their new home.

The charity works closely with Harlow's Homeless Letting Agency which is helping to find accommodation for some 40 people living rough in the town.

"Anyone can become homeless and if people realise this they will help," said Mr Granger.

If you would like to help out at the Christmas shelter, please contact Margaret on 863132.

If you have food or clothing donations or would like to become a Chocolate Run volunteer, call the Chocolate Run office on 306 372.

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