Unwanted gifts help the homeless

Ended up with something you didn't want this Christmas? One charity is asking Brits to donate that unflattering jumper or umteenth bubble bath set and help the homeless.

Any unwanted Christmas gifts donated to Anchor will be sold on and 100% of the profits put towards its work with the homeless.

The gifts will be sold through eBay and the proceeds used to sponsor a room for a homeless person.

Additionally, people can sell their unwanted gifts individually and donate the amount to Anchor.

Just over 36,000 households in the UK were deemed homeless this year.

Anchor House is helping thousands of them from its base in Canning Town, in the east London borough of Newham, the third most deprived ward in England and Wales.

The centre provides accommodation for up to 180 single homeless people each year.

A wide range of accredited vocational training courses are on offer to residents and the local community in construction, electrical, plumbing and distance learning.

Each quarter the centre attracts 2,500 visitors using its services.

"If people are feeling especially generous this Christmas, they could also spread some cheer by simply donating," the charity said.

Send your unwanted items to:
Anchor House
Fundraising
81 Barking Road
London E16 4HB

For more information visit www.anchorhouseuk.org or call 0207 476 6062.