TWO kind-hearted Stourbridge friends are urging people across the town to embrace the spirit of Christmas and help those less fortune by taking part in a two-week challenge to help the homeless.

David Herrington and Dan Wilkes are set to launch the Stourbridge Homeless Challenge tomorrow (Saturday December 16) with the aim of getting as much warm, fresh clothing and bedding to Stourbridge’s rough sleepers as possible over the next fortnight.

Stourbridge resident David, a cofounder of Gig Caritas - a philanthropic community group that raises money for charities through musical and arts events, said: “Stourbridge and the surrounding area has seen a rise in rough sleepers and homelessness, just as the rest of the West Midlands has.

“Some people are well-known and visible; others less so. Giving money isn’t the answer – what it pays for isn’t always what would help most, and some believe those presenting as homeless aren’t genuine.

“We saw a need, both on the streets and in the actions of people in the town, but also an uncertainty about how to help.

“We know people can become vulnerable very quickly.

“Whether through drugs or alcohol, abuse or exploitation, the harm caused to homeless people becomes unseen. But it is real and terrifying to be caught up in. That’s why we decided to help.”

He and Dan, landlord at The Waggon and Horses pub in Worcester Street, decided to join forces to help the homeless after they heard a sleeping bag had been taken from one of the town’s rough sleepers just before one of the coldest nights of the year.

Dan said: “It was only through contact and understanding that some of the good people of Stourbridge provided him with something else to sleep in. We wanted to do something positive.”

They decided goodwill is in everyone’s gift to give and set about organising the two-week challenge which will run until December 30.

The pair are now asking people to dig out any unwanted hats, coats, thermal layers, socks, pants, sturdy warm footwear and sleeping bags that they may have and donate them to the cause.

Items can be dropped off at the Waggon and Horses pub, opposite the old Worcester Street Surgery, between midday and 10pm every weekday.

The donations will then be distributed to those in need with help from community groups and support from St Thomas’s Church, Dudley Council and Leslie’s Care Packages for the Homeless – a group set up by Wollaston widow Vi Wood to help those without anywhere to live.

Go to www.facebook.com/StourbridgeHomelessChallenge/ to find out more about the project.