A CAMPAIGN has been launched to collect donations for vulnerable families and homeless people at Christmas.

People in north Durham are being asked to support the festive drive to help a women’s refuge in Stanley and One Point in Consett.

Businesswoman Kelly Williamson is asked for donations of toiletries, children’s toys, sweets, clothing, make up, arts and crafts and non-perishable food items.

Fresh food hampers supported by local supermarkets will be made up on Christmas Eve.

Ms Williamson, a mother-of-three, who runs a management service company in Consett, said: “Last year it was amazing. The kids were over the moon. We donated a lot of second hand goods, but a lot of new things as well and all of the kids got toys.

“We wrapped them up and the refuge told what each of the kids were into.

“A couple of the kids were into Spiderman and a couple were into Thomas the Tank Engine so they all got toys that were relevant to them.

“They got a bag of them and the women got chocolates, toiletries and hats and scarves and they loved it.”

Ms Williamson said the scheme will help over 20 families and is now in its third year.

She said: “My partner, Ray, and I were talking about the little ones who are in the refuge over Christmas and we had started our own family. It was a case of ‘what can we do to help?’

“I started calling up and finding out how many people were in the refuge, how many children were in there and what their ages were and it has spiralled from there.”

Ms Williamson said Tesco has agreed to donate Christmas puddings, crackers and fresh vegetables on December 23.

One of the local fruit and veg traders is going to donate fresh items.

Ms Williamson said: “It is a great thing to do. It is heart breaking thinking about it though, because it is not a nice position to be in, especially for kids - to be away from your home environment.

“It is awful to be away and not have access to your things or friends and family if you live far away.”

The Phoenix Centre in Moorside will be used as a drop off on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5.30pm-7.30pm.

There is also a collection point at Meadowfield and collections can be arranged by calling 07931-795-293.