A SCHEME to ensure homeless people have access to dry clean clothes has been backed by a local storage company.

Magenta Self Storage, in Botley Road, Oxford, has joined forces with homelessness charity Homeless Oxfordshire, local communities and businesses including the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and many others, to ensure homeless people have access to clean, warm clothes whenever they need them.

The joint venture began during the charity’s 12 days of Giftmas campaign when Magenta stepped forward with an offer of free storage space for all donated items.

UKAEA then coordinated the donation of more than 100 boxes of T-shirts and long johns, as well as packing 46 shoeboxes of Christmas goodies donated by its staff across its Culham Science Centre in Abingdon.

READ AGAIN: New shopping precinct at West Way opening soon

Their activity has encouraged other businesses and individuals across the county to donate their pre-loved clothes to the initiative, which will now continue throughout the year.

Oxford Mail:

Lorraine Emms-Clements from Homeless Oxfordshire said “We have collected more than 50 winter coats, 100 wool jumpers, and 50 jogging bottoms in the last month, and we are still counting.

“In addition, people have kindly donated numerous packs of new socks, pants, deodorant and shower gels to make countless homeless people’s lives that little bit better. Without the generosity of people throughout Oxfordshire, we would not be able to continue to offer warm, dry clothing to the 220 people who access our temporary accommodation every night, 365 days a year.

READ AGAIN: Kitten loses an eye after being shot with an air gun

She added. “We are absolutely delighted to have been contacted by both Oxford and Banbury branches of Magenta Self Storage as we work in a fully operational hostel with little or no storage. It has been fantastic to be able to say yes to kind donations over the last few weeks. People who use our services can’t access the things we all take for granted, including clean clothes, clean underwear, warm socks, and other welfare items. Having access to these things really helps with people’s self-esteem and confidence; it is a simple act of kindness that means so much.”

Gemma Pidsley, from UKAEA, said: “We were pleased to have had the opportunity to kick-start such a worthwhile initiative.

Oxford Mail:

"Over Christmas, employees across the organisation donated items ranging from much-needed warm clothing to chocolates, socks, gloves and dog treats, and it is good to know that our involvement has given the campaign a vital boost.

READ MORE: Here's what you think about Harry and Meghan resigning

Added Helen Tooby, branch manager of Magenta Self Storage Banbury: “We are committed to continue working with Homeless Oxfordshire in its quest to support the more vulnerable members of our community."

All clothes donations can be dropped at Magenta Self Storage at 91-99 Botley Road, Oxford or at 2 Brookhill Way, Banbury.