Christmas draws closer and with falling temperatures comes the promise of good food, gifts and spending quality time with family.

But there are many not so lucky and at this time of year will turn to charities like Homeless Care, because they have nowhere else to go.

The Kent Messenger is again supporting the charity with our You Can Help campaign, aiming to secure vital food donations which will feed vulnerable people.

Homeless Care, based in Maidstone, began life 30 years ago when volunteers started a soup run.

It now manages a day centre and a hostel and in the last year handed out 401 food parcels to vulnerable people with everything they need to survive on the streets.

This includes 108 packs for families containing items such as food, toiletries and nappies.

Angela Clay, trustee, said: “It must be tough to watch the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations if you know you cannot provide your family with all the extra food and treats most of us can look forward to.

“Christmas Day will be the same as any other for those families who never seem to get enough to eat.

“We will deliver food parcels to families, elderly couples and single men and women which include the basics and some festive treats. This is only possible because of the people who give to us. We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and for making lives a little brighter.”

The day centre in Knightrider Street currently has around 50 regulars who can get showers, a hot meal, companionship and advice and over the last year has supported 272 homeless people over 8,000 visits.

This number is increasing and more people are finding themselves and their families on the breadline.

In the five years to April, those making homeless applications in the borough increased by 650%.

For the last 16 years, the KM has worked with Homeless Care to collect cans and other necessities to help lessen the hardship the festive season can bring and hopefully provide food well into the new year. Every year we are stunned by the generosity and compassion of our readers.

In 2015 you donated around 16,000 items and the same in 2014, more than doubling the amount given in 2013.

If you would like to donate non-perishable items, which are in date, and other items, you can drop them off at collection points, including the Kent Messenger’s office at 6 & 7 Middle Row, Maidstone.

Other collection points are Morrison’s Sutton Road, Maidstone; Iceland, The Mall, Week Street, Maidstone; Morrison’s, New Hythe Lane, Larkfield; Co-op at Branbridges East Peckham; The Village Store East Peckham; St Peters Church, Church Hill Boughton Monchelsea; Invicta Girls Grammar School, Huntsman Lane, Maidstone; The Malling School, Beech Road, East Malling; Stockett Lane Surgery, 3 Stockett Lane, Coxheath; Maidstone Community Support Centre, 39-48 Marsham Street, Maidstone; St Simon Stock School, Oakwood Campus, Maidstone.