A FUNERAL firm is supporting two local charities as it collects useful items for people who may need help during the winter months.

Melia Powell Funeral Service has volunteered its branch as a drop-off point for Parents of Pre-Loved Items (POPI), a baby bank that provides items for youngsters aged up to five years old, and Homeless not Hopeless, a charity dedicated to assisting those who don’t have a place they can call home.

POPI is asking for new children’s nightwear, in sizes from newborn to five years, which will be distributed to local families in need as part of its Winter Pyjama Appeal.

And for Homeless not Hopeless, donations of warm gloves and hats, toiletries, drink cartons, snacks or supermarket vouchers are required to support homeless people.

Items for either cause can be left at the Melia Powell branch in Bradford Road, Sandbeds, Keighley, between 10am and 4pm until December 16.

Funeral director Craig Greenwood said it was important for the business to help the community with initiatives like this.

He said: “We’ve worked with POPI before and we are delighted to be collecting for them again.

“This our first time collecting for Homeless not Hopeless, but everyone has seen the great work they do around the Bradford area.

“They’re two completely different causes but both fantastic in their own way, hopefully, we can help support people who might find the winter months difficult.”

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