Lending a hand on the Strand

Six of us met outside Zimbabwe House on The Strand to distribute various donated items from Get Rid of and Donate to rough sleepers.

We gathered outside the van, and started taking things out. First were all the coats and shoes, which proved popular and attracted a crowd. We then had to assemble some sort of queue for bag distribution, including rucksacks and suitcases containing clothes and toiletries. This was far more difficult than it sounds!

Once we'd cracked the bag distribution queue and had everyone moving through, we brought out some sleeping bags, pillows and tents to give away, and each of us began helping people get items on request, depending on what was left over.

With all the suitcases gone from the van and the crowds dispersing, we packed up the remaining coats, shoes, and other miscellaneous items into the van. Just before dispersing, we noticed some clothes had been taken out of the donated suitcases and left on the side of the pavement. So after a quick rescue mission to gather up any unwanted items and scooping them into the van, we all said our goodbyes and headed off!