It is not uncommon for people to spare a thought for the homeless as the weather gets colder.
But for two Jewish women, the thought led to action.
Rachel Cummins and her friend, Erica Greene, set up the Sock Drop, an initiative to provide homeless people with warm clothing during the winter.
Mrs Cummins, from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, said the idea had come about after a casual discussion between the three women.
She said: “At this time of year, it gets cold, you’re freezing, but you get to sleep in the warmth of your own home. Homeless people don’t get to do that. We wanted to do something to help.”
The 29-year-old, who runs a photo booth business, discovered a wholesaler near to where she lives specialising in insulated clothes designed to be worn in low temperatures.
“We found that we could get hats, gloves and socks for a fiver and decided to make care kits that could be delivered to the homeless,” she said.
The duo raised funds by asking people for donations on Facebook. “We got all sorts of amounts. Some gave £5 and others gave £600.
The women hand out the kits to shelters, homeless people on the streets, and to charities working in the field. “We go anywhere we know we can help,” said Mrs Cummins.
Volunteers help distribute the kits, and the women hold “wrap parties” where up to 100 guests “come and gift-wrap the items as festive presents”.
Mrs Cummins said: “Charity is not about just giving money. This is a way for people to help by giving their time.”
Sock Drop is now in its third year, and Mrs Cummins, a former King Solomon pupil, has set up a crowdfunding page to raise £3,000 to provide the kits, which will now include toiletries and feminine hygiene products.
“Homelessness is a really big problem. This is a very simple and easy way to help,” said Mrs Cummins.
Donate at https://www.gofundme.com/sock-drop-2017
