A CHARITY helping the poor and needy is appealing for help because it is set to run out of food and clothing in the run-up to Christmas.

The Southend Vineyard Church Storehouse centre is running out of food and other provisions due to an increase in those using the service and a decline in donations.

Outreach worker Stuart Gibbs said the charity was planning two overnight shelters for the homeless over the Christmas season, but with stocks running low, they feared running out of food.

He said: “Our stocks of food are unusually low and we are having to buy food in. We can’t always guarantee what we are going to get from suppliers and we seem to be struggling.

“We are appealing for help now rather than waiting until Christmas and finding we can’t help people. We help about 500 people a week with food and clothes. We need non-perishable food like tins and pasta. On Tuesdays we run a family Storehouse where we help with nappies and baby milk, so we need items like that. We also need sleeping bags.”

As well as food, the Storehouse also need donations of underwear for the homeless men and women which, along with other items, are distributed the Storehouse charity shop.

Airbeds are also needed for the winter night shelter.

Mr Gibbs added: “We know with rising fuel costs and changes to benefit and tax payments, homelessness is affecting more of the wider community, not just the stereotypical person we often see.

“With the changes that are due take place in the new tax year, this we think will only increase the pressure on services like ours.

“There are many tragic stories of seemingly normal households being affected by redundancy, illness resulting in family breakdowns, the point being that this could happen to anyone.”

The charity, in Coleman Street, Southend, would also like to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer to help the centre.

To help or make donations, call 07827 014679.