The Rucksack Project is back for 2017 with Reds in the Community once again acting as an official drop off point.

Now in its fifth year, the project is a voluntary movement that revolves around helping those who are sleeping rough or are in desperate need throughout the cold winter months.

According to the homeless charity, Crisis, In England tonight, around 4,000 people will be sleeping rough on the streets.

It’s not about grand gestures, donating lots of money or making a big commitment, it’s about giving up a little time, the odd old or unused belonging, to help somebody who has fallen on hard times and then encouraging others to do the same.

Simply get a rucksack and fill it with items that will help to make the life of somebody sleeping rough a little easier in the winter months.

Some of the items that can be used include:

• Sleeping bag
• A fleece or warm coat
• Thick socks and clean (unused) underwear
• Gloves and a thick hat
• Non-perishable food such as soup (with ring pulls)
• A thermos flask and spoon (please leave the flask empty)

Our RITC office is open Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm.

On Saturday, 23 December at 1pm, you can take all belongings you wish to donate, to the Barnsley Churches Drop In Project (Lower Ground Floor, Temperance House, Pitt Street S70 1AL) at the big handout, where you can be a big part of getting packs of donations to someone who is truly in need of your help.

If you can’t attend on this date, you are welcome to bring donations down to one of our drop-off points before Friday 22nd December so that packs can be put together and handed out on your behalf.

Official Drop Off points located across Barnsley include:

CK Beckett (Mon-Fri 8-5pm)
Unit 1 Park Springs, Spring Hill Road
Grimethorpe S72 7BQ
Drop donations off at reception which is located at the rear of the warehouse

Liddys Solicitors (Mon-Fri 9-5pm)
Old Courthouse, 12 Regent St S70 2EW
Enter through the main big doors on Regent Street and speak to a member of staff who will show you where all the donations are being stored

MayJay Carpets & Flooring (Mon-Fri 9-5pm, Sat 10-4pm)
116 Brampton Road
Brampton Bierlow S63 6AW

YMCA (Mon-Fri 9-9pm, Sat 9 – 12 noon)
Blucher Street (near the main Post Office) S79 1AP
Head up the stairs and ask for Katie

You can find out more information about the project here!