DONATIONS are pouring in from Evesham residents who have rallied round to collect food, clothes and toys for the hundreds of families left homeless by the Grenfell Tower block fire in London.
At least 17 people are now known to have died in the huge blaze which ripped through the tower block in West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Thousands of people have also been made homeless and two Evesham residents, Victoria Rackley and Emma Canning, are collecting donations which will be sent to those who have lost their homes and belongings in the blaze.
Victoria, whose husband is a firefighter and was due on shift in London today, took a van full of donations with him to the capital.
Emma has also organised a lorry from H&I Transport to take donations to those left homeless. Donations have already begun piling up at their drop off point at Ashdown Farm, near Badsey.
Here’s a list of donations needed:
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Bedding
- Furniture
- Non-perishable food
- Toys
- Toiletries
- Baby and toddler equipment
Smaller donations for the lorry can be dropped off at 35 Chestnut Close, Hampton, WR11 2PA. For more information call Lisa Beasley, from H&I Transport on 07807 512995.
Any large items can be dropped off directly to the lorry this Sunday between 10am and 2pm at Ashdown Farm, near Badsey.
The lorry will be leaving for London once it is full with donations.
Speaking to the Observer, Emma explained why she was spurred into doing something to help.
“Waking up to the news this morning and seeing all those poor people now homeless. “Even worse the sad loss of life. Those poor poor people.
“Even the smallest things will make such a difference and we all need to help.
“Having a little girl and a baby due in two weeks I can’t even imagine what these people are going through. So so sad.”
Victoria has also launched an online donation page to help raise money for the families affected by the Grenfell Tower block fire.
Victoria also explained why she wanted to do something to help those made homeless by the blaze.
“What great communities we have all pulling together to take on donations for those that involved. I no longer live in London so probably can’t do as much as I would have liked, but it’s amazed me how much support those out of reach, out of the area want to get involved and help as much as they are able too.
“This is an opportunity for those that are unable to donate clothing, toiletries etc. The money raised will help those families desperately in need.”
