Queen Alexandra Hospital volunteers wrap hundreds of Christmas presents for homeless people in Portsmouth

The effort from staff and good Samaritans at the site's rheumatology department follows an appeal for gifts in a bid to bring festive joy to some of the city's most vulnerable people. 

Among the swathes of items which have been collected are socks, toiletries, food and gloves '“ as well as presents for people who have dogs for companionship. 

They will be distributed to the Portsmouth Homeless Day Services Charity on Thursday, December 20, but volunteers are invited to continue donating until December 19. 

Colin Beevor, matron for rheumatology, said he and his team are very grateful for donors' generosity in '˜offering a little cheer'. 

'˜We all know that homeless people can be extremely vulnerable,' he said. 

'˜Some may have serious physical and mental health problems, including arthritis and connective tissue diseases.

'Suffering with such a condition can make life even more difficult '“ being cold and not having somewhere comfortable to sleep will not help the pains of arthritis.' 

He added: '˜Each present contains sweets, food and selection of toiletries. We even have Christmas presents for those homeless people who have a dog for companionship.' 

The bulk of donated gifts were wrapped yesterday [Wednesday, December 12] '“ but volunteers will dedicate more time to the cause as more arrive at the hospital. 

Alex Fletcher, senior rheumatology assistant, added: '˜We are so lucky that our volunteers have given their time [on Wednesday] to help wrap the Christmas presents, we are always grateful for the support they offer us all year round.

'˜Thank you to everyone who has given a donation.'

A QA Hospital spokesperson said any further donations should be dropped off at the rheumatology department on C-Level. 

 

What should I donate? 

These are the items volunteers have suggested residents donate: 

- Sweets

- Food

- Socks

- Scarves

- Gloves

- Toiletries