This winter Alabaré is again asking people to help the homeless in Wiltshire through its Welfare Box Appeal. Everyone is being invited to fill a small box or a carrier bag with goods that will help homeless and vulnerable people look after their personal hygiene and keep warm - things that many of us take for granted.

Suggested items to go in your box include toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, liquid soap, socks, and hats and gloves. Goods should be limited to toiletries and accessories for keeping warm, no sharp objects such as scissors or razor blades and no painkillers or cold remedies please.

The boxes will be collected up and taken to the nearest Alabaré Homeless Drop In Centre, either in Salisbury, Trowbridge or Devizes. From there the boxes will be distributed to the homeless and vulnerable people who use the Drop In Centres. 

The Drop In Centres open their doors three days a week to homeless and vulnerable people, offering warm shelter, hot food and drink and advice on issues like health and housing. The welfare boxes will give people their own set of toiletries that they can use at the Drop In and take with them wherever they go, whether that's to hostels, friends' houses or the streets.

Drop In Centre Manager Doreen Knight said "Toiletries are as important to homeless people as they are to you or me.  Personal hygiene is something most of us take for granted and plays a big part in boosting self esteem and confidence."

She added "Although box appeals are usually run just at Christmas time, this appeal is going to run all year round because homeless and vulnerable people need our support throughout the year."

If you want to find out more about the Welfare Box Appeal call Alabare on 08450 78 68 08 or see our website www.alabare.co.uk You can drop your Welfare Box off at Alabaré's Salisbury Office at 33 Brown Street.