Shoeboxes will be given out to the homeless this weekend by One Big Family, which runs a soup kitchen in Chatham.

The charity had originally hoped to give out 50 boxes but so far have collected more than 200.

They contain items such as underwear, socks and toiletries, as well as high-energy snacks, silver foil blankets, and torches.

The charity is now helping those in need seven days a week. Its Sunday soup kitchen, under the big screen by Chatham bus station, is attracting more people each week.

This Sunday it will be a special Christmas soup kitchen with festive treats.

A spokesman for the charity said: “We are out daily at the moment in Medway, taking items to people in need, and responding to emergency call-outs.”

Shoebox donations need to be at Emmaus UK charity shop in Chatham High Street by the end of the day today (Friday).

See www.facebook.com/Shoebox4astranger

One Big Family is looking for people to cook or bake and is asking for donations of clothing, toiletries and sleeping bags.

Call 07788 253047 or email obf helpingthehomeless@gmail.com

Youngsters have also been doing their bit to bring a little festive cheer to the homeless this Christmas.

Woodlands Youth Centre in Gillingham has been running its own shoebox appeal for the second year, filling boxes with essentials such as toiletries, as well as treats and gifts.

It is being run by the centre’s junior members, aged eight to 13, with support from seniors, who are aged 14 and 15. The group is working in partnership with the local church, St Mary Magdalene, who will pass the parcels on.

Last year the children organised 22 parcels to be donated to the homeless, and individually wrote Christmas cards which were delivered with each parcel.

The young people get together every Friday and have been sorting out the items, filling the boxes and wrapping them.

Youth worker Sharon McCauley said: “It is a fantastic project that gets the whole community involved, and the young people at the youth centre volunteer their time to collect and sort donated items.

“We really appreciate all the help we get to fill the parcels and spread Christmas spirit.”

Call 01634 335474 or email sharon.mccauley@medway.gov.uk to donate.