Shelters appealing for food and blanket donations during cold weather — Here’s what you need to know

12 July 2023 - 08:00
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The Salvation Army has appealed for donations of blankets and clothing for homeless people. File photo.
The Salvation Army has appealed for donations of blankets and clothing for homeless people. File photo.
Image: 123RF/Peter Bernik

The Salvation Army has appealed for food and blanket donations while the country battles cold weather.

The South African Weather Service said cold temperatures are expected in most parts of the country over the next few days.

Soweto, Alberton, Roodepoort, Heidelberg and Vosloorus were among the areas reporting snowfall on Monday.

Salvation Army spokesperson Thataetsile Semeno said the organisation has been receiving calls for assistance.

“Homeless communities have become more desperate, especially in this weather. We have been getting many calls and people knocking on our doors asking for temporary shelter, a hot meal, clothes and blankets,” Semeno told Newzroom Afrika.

“Most of our centres around the country have received many requests, people calling us to ask for some kind of assistance, especially those who are on the street with children.”

The Rosebank Homeless Association appealed to the community for donations of warm clothing and blankets.

“There is a big black box with white lettering in the mall at the Pick n Pay level and the words Rosebank Homeless Association,” a representative told TimesLIVE.

The civil organisation Not In My Name said: “We encourage forward-thinking South Africans to donate and/or bring blankets, clothes and other essentials for survival.”

The Johannesburg Homelessness Network requested donations to be delivered to their offices.

“With this extremely cold weather, we are desperately needing warm clothes such as jackets, jerseys and shoes. Please drop them off at our office.”

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