One of the UK’s leading homelessness charities, Social Bite, has launched its gift drive, Festival of Kindness, for the first time in Birmingham, to help secure donations of essential items, presents, and funds for people who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness in the city.

The Festival of Kindness Tree, a symbol of hope and goodwill, has been installed at New Street Station, outside All Bar One in the town centre, inviting kind-hearted Birmingham locals to come along and donate toys, gifts, critical day-to-day items such as warm gloves, boots, toiletries, and money towards a hot Christmas meal, for people who need it most at this time of year.

Since Festival of Kindness began in 2020, generous supporters have helped Social Bite spread joy by providing over one million gifts, essentials, and hot meals for children and adults across the country who might otherwise go without. This year, the charity hopes to spread kindness even further by launching in Birmingham, where more than 5,000 households are living in temporary accommodation. The charity is asking locals to come along and join in the mission to provide 300,000 winter meals, gifts and essential items for children and adults affected by homelessness in the city and across the country.

Working closely with people and organisations it supports, Social Bite has created a wish list of items that make the biggest difference, including warm gloves, hot water bottles, torches, good quality socks, and toys or winter clothing for children to open on Christmas morning.

Anyone wishing to take part can donate a gift in person at the Social Bite Tree of Kindness, or virtually via Social Bite’s website. Just £28 could provide someone experiencing homelessness with a hot Christmas meal, a gift, a bundle of essential items, and a safe place to sleep for the night. Supporters can also donate specific items, such as a pack of warm gloves for £10, or toys and clothing for children for £100.

To donate virtually or find out more, visit: social-bite.co.uk