A TEN-YEAR-OLD girl, has started her own appeal to help the needy this Christmas after she met a homeless man in Southend High Street.

Ruby Eenkhoorn, from Southend, almost brought a homeless man to tears by spending her last £5 on a McDonalds for him.

After meeting him, she has started an appeal to help the homeless in Southend have a hot dinner on Christmas day.

Ruby, who has suspected juvenile arthritis that is sometimes so bad she struggles to move in the morning and causes trouble with her mobility, is determined to help others who are vulnerable and to raise as much money as possible for Southend’s homeless charity, Harp.

Ruby and her mum currently live in temporary accommodation themselves, so can sympathise with the homeless.

Joeli Harris, Ruby’s mum, 39 said: “It was the night of the fireworks and on the way back a rough sleeper was setting up for the night. Ruby spent her last £5 on a McDonald’s for him and you could see a tear in his eye as he looked at her and said’ thank you little girl.’

“She hadn’t just fed him, she made him think someone cared about him. It started from there.

“A couple of weeks ago she took part in the cardboard box challenge, a Harp fundraiser, where you pay £20 to enter and we raised money through sponsorship.

“We stayed the evening in a cardboard box on the grounds of Southend High School. My daughter made a cardboard banner which was very touching.”

The ten-year-old has also taken to social media to get as much funds as possible.

Echo: Sleeping in a box to raise cash for the homeless – Ruby with her mum Joeli at the sleepout

Ruby’s message on Facebook read: “I have already donated £5, any shoes clothes or food you can donate can you please take to the Harp centre in York Road, Southend.

“I’m off to my warm cosy bed now, but there are lots of people cold and hungry tonight so please remember that.”

The mum and daughter hope the appeal will make a huge difference to the rough sleepers of Southend.

Ruby, who attends Holt Farm Junior School, Rochford, says her next campaign is to collect clothes and toys for Syrian refugees. To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/joeli-harris.