Kind-hearted residents donated more than 200 gifts for Slough’s homeless community this week.

More than 70 people turned out to Slough Council for Voluntary Service’s community network winter celebration at HOME, in the High Street, on Tuesday.

All those who attended, brought along gifts for homeless people, with more than 200 items, including hats, scarves, gloves, sleeping bags and tents, donated for homeless people.

The theme of the celebration was happiness, which was led by Linda Tabor-Thomas of Happiness in Slough, with attendees taking part in activities including laughter therapy, gratitude bingo and making origami hearts with handwritten messages of hope for the homeless.

Slough mayor Paul Sohal presented quality assurance (Slough Quality Protects) certificates to Men's Matters, Resource Productions, Destiny Support and Slough Immigration Aid, along with 26 Volunteer Passport Awards.

Guests were also treated to entertainment at the event, with musical performances from Irish Frank, Michelle B and Omari, as well as a festive buffet and slice of cake to round off the celebration.

Ramesh Kukar, CEO at Slough CVS said: “What a wonderful celebratory event that brought together our community to bring joy and happiness to the most vulnerable residents of Slough. We were overwhelmed by the level of support provided to the homeless community, with over 200 items donated.”

And volunteer co-ordinator Yvette Hockley said: “The event simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support of a host of volunteers, including 14 members of GoodGym Slough, who wrapped donated gifts and decorated the hall, and one special volunteer who played the part of Santa.”