STAFF at a Worcester day centre have said a huge thank you for all the food donations they have received from their harvest appeal.

It means they can now provide hot breakfasts and lunches to homeless people for a year.

Maggs Day Centre in Deansway has received more than 150 crates of tinned food, including 30 crates of soup and 17 crates of baked beans.

Maggs works with up to 100 homeless people each week, providing food, washing facilities, advice and support services.

Typically, people who use Maggs Day Centre have difficulties finding accommodation, with relationship breakdowns, their health, benefits and addictions.

One person who has been helped by the centre and its support services is 31-year-old Barry Foster.

When Mr Foster came to Worcester he lived in a tent and slept rough on the streets for four months.

During this time he became involved with Maggs and received support from Turning Point, the UK’s leading social care organisation, and the Maggs outreach and support services.

The resettlement team were able to find him accommodation in a supported living environment and he now works at the centre as a volunteer. He said: “Maggs shows that you are important even though you don’t always fit into traditional society roles.”

Mr Foster has been working on the clothing project at Maggs. Public donations of clothing, shoes and household items are sorted and clients can obtain some of the things they need for free.

The clothing store is also home to the tins from the harvest collection and Mr Foster has helped to sort the hundreds of donated tins into date order and food type.

He said: “It is really appreciated by the people who use Maggs. You wouldn’t believe what a difference a good pair of shoes can make to someone living rough.”

Staff are eager to collect any unwanted warm coats, clothes, shoes and sleeping bags for the coming winter months.

Centre manager Lorna Gilbert said: “We are so grateful for the support we have received to date.

“However, we would like to make another plea for help with these winter provisions as well as any financial donations to enable us to continue our vital work with this most important client group.

“Your help is imperative to our success.”

For more information about making donations or to find out about becoming a volunteer, call 01905 25027.