A library in Southampton is helping a charity to collect food and provide a Christmas dinner for people living on the streets this month.

Shirley Library will act as a donation point for Two Saints, with the homeless charity organising a Christmas meal at its day centre on Cranbury Avenue, on Thursday, December 19.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Two Saints said: “The day centre organises a Christmas lunch every year.

“This year, Owton’s Butchers have kindly and generously promised us turkeys and other cash donations from members of the public have enabled us to source decorations, selection boxes and prizes for games on the day.

“The meal is dependent on people's acts of kindness, and Shirley Library has offered their premises as a drop off point.

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Two Saints day centre (Image: Tony Weafer) “We will hopefully be collecting vegetables, stuffing, potatoes and gravy (maybe even some crackers?) a few days before the event.

“We have appealed for people to donate Christmas Jumpers so our clients can be dressed for the festivities too.

“Christmas is a difficult time for many people, and we try and make our Christmas meal a safe space for our clients and provide emotional support.

“We try our best to make the day a positive one and play games, but for those that are struggling, we provide a quiet, warm space with plenty of kindness. It is much more than a nice dinner.”

On a day-to-day basis, the day centre allows members of the homeless community to seek help and advice from staff, have access to the internet and medical care, with as many as 70 people visiting each day.

Cath Brear, manager of Shirley Library said she was “incredibly proud” to be able to allow the library to act as a donation hub in the lead up to Christmas.

She said: “We do our bit to help the community, and we know there are a lot of people in the area who have experienced homelessness.

“Shirley is a generous and kind-hearted community, and we welcome donations big and small that can go towards Two Saints and their lovely Christmas dinner.”