People can make donations locally to help refugees caught up in the crisis as they flee to Europe.
People have taken to social media to ask if they can help amid shocking images of a young Syrian boy’s lifeless body washed up on the shore as his family attempted to flee to safety. The youngster died after their boat capsized.
As the political debate goes on over free borders and how many refugees the UK should take, many members of the public want to do their bit to help practically.
Now the trustees of Meltham’s Carlile Institute on Huddersfield Road are opening the doors for people to drop off donations, including vital equipment.
Meltham Town Council’s Clr Richard Noon said: “We recognised there was something we could do.
“We’re working with St Bartholomew’s Church and Crossroads who are collecting what they can, but they need somewhere with space to store donations and for people to drop items off.
“We can provide that space at the Carlile Institute and work out the logistics to get it to organisations that can help.”
Teams organising aid have said it is more economical to donate money.
People can drop off donations at the Huddersfield Road venue until 8pm tonight (Thursday) and 5.30pm thereafter.
Items that can be dropped off are two-skin tents that can survive bad weather, tarpaulins, canvas sheets, wooden pallets, rope, chairs and stools; bedding including sleeping bags, blankets, camp beds, roll mats, pillows and pillow cases.
Also needed are practical clothing, trainers, walking shoes, boots, wellies, socks, jackets, shirts, underwear, waterproof jackets, trousers and hats.
Sanitary and medical items are required including anti-bacterial products, cleaning products, basic toiletries (soap, deodorant, towels, kitchen paper, toilet paper, razors, shaving products, sanitary towels etc), basic first aid kits, wipes, rubbish bags/bins.
Donations are also needed of cooking items such as tinned food, can openers, flour, cooking oil, salt, paper, spices, containers for storing/carrying water, coffee, tea, sugar, pans etc, sponges, washing up liquid, cooking utensils, mugs, plates, bowls and cutlery.
Other items that can help include LED wind-up torches, umbrellas, tools, wood, tape, second hand compact cameras, plus books, games, pens and paper for children.
