Students support homeless with Christmas shoebox appeal

More than 100 homeless people in Charnwood are set to receive special gifts this Christmas after Loughborough College (@Lborocollege) students donated treats as part of a festive appeal.

Students from the College’s Public Services and Caring Services teams packed 100 shoe boxes with everything from sweet treats, toiletries, stationery, clothing, tinned food and more than 100 home-made mince pies from the College’s Radmoor Restaurant which will be donated to service user at Falcon Support Services.

The Loughborough-based charity helps vulnerable people transform their lives enabling them to live independently, healthily and positively contribute to their community.

Jo Maher, Principal and CEO at Loughborough College, said:

“I am so proud of our students who have donated their time and energy to support the crucial work that Falcon Support Services does to support homeless people in our communities.

“As a college, we have an important role to play in not only shaping the futures of learners, but also in supporting our community when and where we can.

“This is an important part of our students’ learning experience and supports their own well-being, as well as the well-being and mental health of Falcon’s service users.”

Rachel Hall, Deputy Chief Executive of Falcon Support Services, said:

“We are really grateful for the support of Loughborough College students and staffing team for choosing to make Christmas special for the homeless. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown and plan to distribute them to the homeless and vulnerable over the festive period.”

Falcon Support Services was formed as a registered charity in 2001 to promote the dignity of vulnerable people and restore physical and mental health and wellbeing, including substance misuse support.

The charity provides high quality, stable, supportive environments and accommodation for vulnerable people during their transition to independence and helps vulnerable people in developing the social and life skills necessary to plan and prepare for their futures.

It also provides supported accommodation and community projects to those that are homeless, at risk of homelessness or vulnerable in the community.