FUND-RAISERS for the homeless say they have been “overwhelmed” by the generosity of Kent Messenger readers during the Christmas period.

Despite adverse economic conditions, the Kent Messenger’s You Can Help appeal has brought donations of food and gifts flooding into the Maidstone Day Centre in Knightrider Street.

Angela Clay, day centre trustee and fund-raiser, said the centre now had enough food stocks to last until the harvest festival collections in the autumn.

She said: “If you think about the present economic climate, we’ve been fortunate and overwhelmed by the generosity of Maidstone people.

“The store cupboards are looking pretty healthy.

“The donations were all carefully chosen so people have been listening to us - they gave things like tins of food with ring pulls so people sleeping rough can open them.

“We’ve been able to help families with basic needs and give them a few luxuries for Christmas.”

The day centre had also received further donations from a couple who were homeless but have recently been rehoused.

Last week, the Kent Messenger reported how Matt and Jane, who did not wish to be identified, had been sleeping in their car along with their pet cat and dog before staff at the day centre helped them find a new home.

Mrs Clay said the couple’s situation was now looking “really positive” adding: “They’ve got a ground floor flat in the country and Matthew says he can now get a job.

“The nice thing was that they came in on Christmas Eve with cards and gifts.”