A CHARITY is calling on residents to hand over a £10 gift and enable a homeless person to enjoy a Christmas dinner.

Southend’s Homeless Action Resource Project has officially launched the campaign to provide up to 700 meals for the needy, which is supported by the Echo.

Yesterday, the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, visited Harp to promote the goodwill drive.

He said: “As Christmas approaches and the nights turn cold, I would like you to think for a moment about those who do not have a home or job, or support of a family and who may well be sleeping on the streets.

“Harp in Southend provides many thousands of hot meals to the homeless every year.

“However, the charity also endeavours to provide a Christmas dinner to the many hundreds of people who do not have the support of a family at any time of the year, least of all at Christmas.

“Therefore, if you could please look at your Christmas budget to find just £10 to donate and provide a Christmas dinner for a homeless person during the course of the 12 days of Christmas, then you will be giving a very special gift of hope.”

Gill Garwood, the charity’s chief executive, said the appeal was a fantastic idea.

She added: “It’s not just about giving someone a meal for Christmas, but giving them hope and the support it shows could help someone as the first step to addressing homelessness.

“The money people give really does make a difference and it goes directly to the service.”

To donate visit www.harp southend.org.uk and click on the Big Give link or text HOME43, followed by £10, to 70070.

Cheques, made payable to Harp, can be sent to 117 York Road, Southend, SS1 2DL.

If the target of £7,000 is exceeded, the rest of the money will be used within Harp wherever the need is greatest.