A big-hearted Milton Keynes care home has donated over 100 blankets to Emmaus Village Carlton in support of people living rough over the winter months.
Parklands Nursing Home in Newport Road, Woolstone, kindly donated a large quantity of blankets which were surplus to requirements and are being used by our volunteers to hand out to homeless people on their ‘Rucksack Stomps’.
The self-titled ‘Rucksack Stomp’ is the name given to a group of formerly homeless people who have been supported by Emmaus and volunteer in Bedford, Northampton and Wellingborough town centres every week, offering help to those sleeping rough.
Christian Coley, Emmaus Village Carlton companion, who organises the winter Rucksack Stomp three times a week said: “We are so grateful to Parklands Nursing Home for this very generous and much-needed donation which will really help our volunteers to support homeless people locally.
“On our Rucksack Stomp, our team is out on the streets, walking around, talking to vulnerable people and handing out hot drinks and food, as well as sleeping bags, tents and warm clothing. These blankets will be a valuable addition to the vital support we provide for homeless people this winter.”
Christian started the Rucksack Stomp in 2017 after joining Emmaus Village Carlton following a period of homelessness. He has now clocked up around 1,700 hours helping people on the streets who were in similar situations as he was.
Caroline Vaz, Manager of Parklands Nursing Home, said: “We were delighted to support the work of Emmaus Village Carlton through this donation of blankets for their outreach work. We had a surplus of blankets and donating them to Emmaus was suggested by Sue, the daughter of one of our long-term residents, Peggy.
“Sue had heard about the fantastic work Emmaus do in offering vital support to homeless people on the streets during the winter months, so the blankets couldn’t have gone to a more worthy cause this season.”
If you can help by donating items such as sleeping bags (within outer bag, not loose), energy bars, wet wipes and warm clothing such as men’s gloves, socks and scarves, you can drop them off at the shop in School Lane, Carlton, MK43 7LQ, every Wednesday to Saturday from 10am – 2.30pm and Sunday 10am – 2.30pm. For enquiries call Emmaus Village Carlton on 01234 720826.