THE Oxford branches of Smiths News and Tuffnells will be helping the homeless this winter through their annual Pass It On campaign.

Over the next two months, employees at Smiths, a newspaper wholesaler, and distribution company Tuffnells, will be donating clothing, sleeping bags, blankets, toiletries and bags, to be distributed among homeless and vulnerable people in January.

Following two successful Christmas campaigns, Pass It On became a year-round initiative in 2017 and has since raised over £7,000.

Smiths News CEO and founder of Pass It On Jonathan Bunting said: “Finding yourself on the streets can be devastating, but the truth is it can happen to anyone - and it can be very isolating.

“That’s why campaigns like Pass It On are so important; it’s not just providing a hot drink or a warm jacket, but taking the time to interact and have a chat. It really makes a difference.”

As well as donations from colleagues, the campaign is also supported by homeless charities.

Mr Bunting added: “In just two years Pass It On has collected and distributed a phenomenal 11,000 warm items across 16 major cities and helped over 3,000 people.

“And the initiative will soon hit the streets for its third campaign, but this time in January.”