It’s easy to forget the plight of the homeless as we retreat into the comfort and joy of Christmas surrounded by family and friends.

Fortunately others will be opening their doors and doing their utmost to share some festive spirit with those most in need of it, and among the widest doors will be those of the Gravesend Methodist Church Community Centre, the headquarters of homeless project Gravesham Sanctuary.

The staff of Sanctuary have been offering shelter, food and support all year round but operations step up as winter kicks in and their services become ever more vital. That’s why they are this year’s Messenger Christmas Appeal.

At the heart of the operation is husband and wife team Stephenand Lorna Nolan, who said there were various ways in which people could help out, from volunteering to offering cash, sleeping bags and food.

“At the moment we need an industrial washing machine,” said Lorna. “We’ve had an ordinary little machine for the last three years, but we’re running an appeal for a large scale industrial washer. It will get the washing done quicker and ensure we can do more, but it will cost £13,000.”

Sanctuary’s work extends far beyond washing clothes, and while the charity is well-supported by many there are a number of ongoing projects that need a boost this Christmas.

“Whatever we don’t use we would put into the food bank as long as it’s in date. Nothing goes to waste. We use everything and anything we get.”

“We have been quite fortunate,” said Lorna. “A lot of the community have stepped up and given us large bags of rice and pasta.

“We’ve also put out an appeal for any good secondhand sleeping bags.

“We’ve had 57 guests since September and although we managed to get some into hostels, you only get six months in a hostel. A lot of people need medical treatment so we liaise with the hostels about that as well.”

Lorna said the charity was part of a “food share” scheme with Tesco – through which the supermarket donates unsold food to charity – but would still accept food donations from the public.

“Whatever we don’t use we would put into the food bank as long as it’s in date,” she said. “Nothing goes to waste. We use everything and anything we get.”

Anyone wanting to help out – or in need of help – can phone Sanctuary on 07496 832 228. Items can be dropped off at our office at 7 High Street, Gravesend.

Sanctuary is a project of City Praise Centre, working in partnership with Gravesend Methodist Church and Churches Together in Gravesham. Volunteers come from a range of different churches and backgrounds, including non-religious backgrounds.

Details on how to support Sanctuary, either by cheque, standing order or via the charity’s Just Giving page can be found at www.graveshamsanctuary.uk