A HOMELESS charity has launched a festive campaign to support families in need.

Emmaus Colchester organises the annual Operation Christmas appeal to encourage the community to donate gifts to children whose families use Colchester Foodbank.

The charity, which supports those who have previously experienced homelessness, also supports others in the community.

Gemma Aylesbury, retail manager, said: “One of the most important parts of the Emmaus ethos is solidarity.

“We believe in helping others in the community who are less fortunate than ourselves, proving everyone has the capacity to make a difference to the lives of others.”

Emmaus is asking for a selection of items for children up to age 16, including unopened and unused toys, stationery, books, luxury toiletries, sweets and gift vouchers.

Gifts can be donated unwrapped at Emmaus Colchester’s New Life shop in Crouch Street, Colchester, until Saturday December 7.

The shop is open for donations between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Families who are referred to Colchester Foodbank will each receive a voucher which they can take into the New Life café where they can collect a gift bag.

Gemma said: “We’ve had such a brilliant response in the past from the community.

“Last year we gave out 300 gift bags, which we know were really appreciated by the children and families, helping to add that bit of magic to their special day.”

Operation Christmas is also being supported by Reed Colchester.

Tom Copsey, area manager at Reed, said: “We are very proud to support Emmaus Colchester’s Operation Christmas campaign.

“We genuinely believe we must work together to end homelessness in our community which is why we market this campaign every year to our friends, family, candidates and clients, to ensure we can help raise donations for this worthy cause.”

To donate items to Reed Colchester, visit the branch on North Hill.

For more information on Colchester Foodbank, go to colchester.foodbank.org.uk.