Spires has announced that it has handed out over 100 pairs of socks to rough sleepers and insecurely-housed people invited to its annual Christmas celebration on Saturday, 21st December.

Spires is among six charities helping Govia Thameslink Railway to distribute the 4,000-plus pairs of socks.

Nigel Carpenter, Spires’s Chief Executive, was a supporter of the appeal and joined GTR staff at East Croydon station to help receive the donations from rail passengers.

Spires, formed 30 years ago, is based in the centre of Streatham and helps people sleeping rough in Croydon, Merton, Wandsworth and Lambeth

What did the officials say?

After the charity’s Christmas event, Nigel said:

“We welcomed a total of 116 guests to breakfast or lunch on Saturday. They were very grateful to GTR’s passengers for the socks, sometimes heartbreakingly so. One guy said his new socks would probably be the only present he would get this Christmas.

“Our staff and volunteers were happy to bring a smile to so many faces. The socks mean much more than just a few warmer nights – rough sleepers tend to have a lot of foot health issues and clean socks can help stop serious infections developing.

“We are pleased to have still more socks from GTR to distribute. There a long, wet and cold winter ahead and many people will be in need of good-quality socks in the weeks to come.”

Angie Doll, GTR’s Managing Director for Southern and Gatwick Express, said:

“We were overwhelmed with the support for the appeal. As well as thanking our customers and colleagues for their generous donations, I am extremely grateful to Spires and the other five charities who are making sure these socks get to people who need them so much this winter.”

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