South Tyneside residents urged to box clever to help homeless

Last year Louise Scott decided against buying a chocolate advent calender.

Instead she created an advent box which she filled with one non-perishable item a day.

The idea took the internet by storm with shares on social media across the world.

Due to its success, the 34-year-old has decided to once again take part in the project.

Miss Scott from Westoe Crown Village said: “I didn’t think it would take off as well as it did last year. From me just sitting in the house and putting something on Facebook, it just went crazy, but in a good way.

“I’ve already put out a status on Facebook to say that I’m doing it again and I’ve already had people dropping off boxes to my parents.

“I haven’t chosen anywhere specific this time as there are a lot of places who need support, so I’m just telling people anywhere that is happy to take them.

“But if people are struggling to find somewhere they can always send me a message on Facebook and I’ll help them.”

Louise is hoping this year, lots more people will get involved so even more people can be helped this Christmas.

“I’ve noticed more people are getting involved in trying to help people and I think that is down to social media making more people aware.

“I’ve got friends, this year, who will be giving up their time to help out on Christmas Day at the soup kitchens.”

People are being asked to drop donations off in the last week before Christmas.