Some festive joy this Christmas could be just a shoebox away for homeless people in Cornwall.

The Coastline Homeless Service in Camborne is asking for people to consider taking part in the Homeless Shoebox Appeal, to bring a bit of happiness to those without a home of their own in Cornwall this Christmas.

Staff at the charity have signed up to be a collection point for the South West Homeless Shoebox Appeal and give homeless people a practical, festive gift.

Members of the public are being asked if they would consider filling an empty shoebox with inexpensive items such as toiletries, hat, gloves, scarf, socks, sweets or chocolate and baby wipes.

Extras could include things such as a torch, thermals and warm jumper or blanket if it is affordable. Shoeboxes must not include any alcohol, money, razors, painkillers or lighters.

Tamsyn Pegler, from Coastline’s Homeless Service, said: “Every year homeless people are sleeping in the cold and often watching everyone else pass by with presents for their families and friends. We’d really like to give local homeless people a gift of their very own this year to not only make them smile, but to provide really practical essentials that they will be able to use over the coming cold winter weeks and months.

“We’d be extremely grateful if anyone wishes to put together a shoebox to drop into us. Maybe you could even write a Christmas card to pop in the box, just state whether it’s for a man or a woman.”

Staff from Coastline will distribute the shoebox gifts as close to Christmas as possible to clients using the day centre and crisis accommodation locally. Donations should be dropped into the Homeless Service at 11 Basset Road, Camborne, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. Donations will be accepted until December 21.

Other drop-in points for the Shoebox Appeal across Cornwall are listed on the Homeless Shoebox Appeal West Cornwall Facebook page.