A CHARITY says it has been overwhelmed by the generosity of Southend residents who responded to an appeal for food and donations for the homeless.

Volunteers at the Storehouse in Southend, which works with some of the towns most desperate and vulnerable people, are overjoyed after receiving generous gifts following an Echo appeal.

The donations flooded into the charity in Coleman Street, run by Southend Vineyard Church after it warned it could run out of food by Christmas.

John Williams, from the Storehouse, said: “Donations are coming in on a daily basis. We have donations of food and cash with one of £500 and yesterday someone gave £700.

“It has come at a good time because our boiler has broken down and is going to cost £2,500 to replace. We have had to have a new van after the old one was involved in an accident earlier in the year. We’re very grateful to everyone.”

The Storehouse will be handing over the food to hundreds of people who are homeless or on the breadline to ensure they have a more comfortable Christmas. They will also run night shelters including one on New Year’s Eve.

Sam Vincett, Vineyard Church minister, said the generosity of Southend residents enabled the church to lay on festive activities. She said: “We have just had a family Christmas party with about 40 families attending. We gave the children presents and gifts to take home to older siblings who couldn’t be there.

“We had a great response after our appeal for more food and we have had lots of warm clothes and sleeping blankets given to us. Our shelves are looking much better now.”

The Vineyard will hold a carol service on Sunday at 6.30pm at the St Saviour’s Church, Westcliff.

The Storehouse would also like to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer to help the centre. To help, or make donations, call 07827 014679.