Seasonal ANGELS

These dedicated volunteers make sure those in the greatest need are not forgotten on Christmas Day

- KIM WILLIS

‘People need to know there is someone who cares’

Sammi Johnson, 32, from Stoke-on-Trent, helps the homeless.

When Ross and I moved in together as teenagers, we had £10 spare after we’d paid our bills each week. We lived off packet noodles and used food banks. I know what it feels like to wonder where the next meal is coming from. Now a care manager, all year I collect and donate surplus food, coats and sleeping bags to the homelessness charity Brighter Futures. At Christmas it’s a collective effort – we’ve had enough stock from Aldi to provide a meal and food parcel for more than 160 people.

I’ve met some amazing souls on the streets – I want them to know someone is listening and someone cares. Ross and I spend Christmas Eve cooking at the shelter, Unicorn House. We’re up at 5am on Christmas Day to open presents with our son Richie, now four. Then we deliver food parcels until lunchtime. After Richie goes to bed, we return to the streets with hot soup and bread rolls for anyone out in the cold. While there are people living on the streets, there will always be room in my Christmas to help them.
brighter-futures.org.uk