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Trash or Treasure store in Maidstone is collecting donations to give a Christmas dinner for the homeless

A Christmas Day dinner for homeless people will take place in Maidstone - thanks to the generosity of shoppers and volunteers.

Donations of food to go towards the meal are being taken at the Trash or Treasure store, situated off Week Street.

Every year a group of volunteers organise the event and last year around 45 people attended. It proved so popular the food ran out.

Tony Dambiec, shop employee and former homeless man at Trash or Treasure, is running a collection of food for the homeless in Maidstone. Picture: John Westhrop
Tony Dambiec, shop employee and former homeless man at Trash or Treasure, is running a collection of food for the homeless in Maidstone. Picture: John Westhrop

Items needed include Christmas puddings, custard, crisps, chocolates, mince Pies, soft drinks and juices.

Other items sought are soups, Pot Noodles, biscuits, and sweets, plus warm clothing such as gloves and socks. These will be given to people to takeaway.

The shop has teamed up with the Don Doel Foundation which helps to feed homeless people in Maidstone.

Tony Dambiec, who works in the shop, had help from the foundation's Carol Pickup when he didn't have a roof over his head. He sees the meal as a way of giving something back.

He added: "Carol works tirelessly behind-the-scenes all year and also does things like soup runs to help those in need.

"Our customers have been very generous so far, but we could still do with more supplies to make it the best meal we can."

Trash or Treasure is at 112A Week Street, in the alleyway which runs next to MuMus bar. Donations can be made between 9am-5.30pm and shop staff can also offer details on the meal, which will start at 2pm.

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