Salvation Army Long Eaton partners life-or-death mission

- by Nigel Bovey

A PARTNERSHIP between a Salvation Army charity shop and the outreach charity Streets4Christ is making a difference to Nottingham’s homeless community.

Each week, the Salvation Army charity shop in Long Eaton hands over bags of duvets, blankets and clothes to Streets4Christ, which operates from All Souls Church and Community Centre in Ilkeston Road and St Nicholas Church on Maid Marion Way. Volunteers pass on the much-appreciated supplies to homeless people who call in for a hot meal on Mondays and Fridays or who pick up a take-away meal on Albert Street on Saturdays.

Charity shop manager, Phil Shaw, explains: ‘We are not able to sell duvets or pillows unless they are brand new and in their original packaging. This meant we either had to refuse them or dispose of them, with the potential they will go to landfill – neither of which is a preferred option. Like many good ideas, the project started from a casual conversation. One of our shop workers got chatting to chap he knew from the church, Tony, who worked with homeless people. We had found a solution and five years later the partnership is still going strong.’

From the early days of sending good quality duvets and pillows, every week the shop now regifts some ten duvets and three large shopping bags of clothes, shoes and yoga mats to the outreach charity.

Volunteers Jackie (left) & Marrion (right) sorting through items for the next collection

‘A few times a week, Tony collects goods from our shop in High Street on his bike,’ says Phil. ‘These are items that were not selling but are still good quality and have plenty of life left in them. If there’s too much for him to carry, he brings his wife and loads up her mobility scooter as well. Last December, we stocked up with bedding and clothes. On Christmas Eve, a Transit vanload went to the church. It’s great that The Salvation Army partners with other charities to maximise the impact we can have on people’s lives.’

Streets4Christ founder and CEO, Paul Traynor, who was himself homeless for years, is full of praise for the partnership with The Salvation Army.

‘For people who are on the streets, the provision of bedding and clothing makes all the difference in the world,’ he says. ‘It is the difference between life and death.’

The Long Eaton shop at 50 High Street is open for shopping and donations, Monday to Saturday, 9.00 am to 5.00pm (Tuesdays 9.30am to 5.00pm).