Clowne woman asks for donations for the homeless- and is 'overwhelmed' by the response

A caring Clowne woman says her faith in humanity has been ‘restored’ after residents donated hundreds of essential items for her to give to the homeless during lockdown.
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Karina Allen wanted to give something back when she lost her job due to the pandemic, and set about making hats for homeless people in the surrounding area using bits of of unwanted wool.

But it soon became clear to the 52-year-old that handing over hats ‘wasn’t enough’ and she took to the Community Unity Project Facebook group to ask if anyone had items they wanted to donate.

Karina Allen, from Clowne, took to Facebook to ask if anyone wanted to donate items to the homeless and was 'ovewhelmed' at the response.Karina Allen, from Clowne, took to Facebook to ask if anyone wanted to donate items to the homeless and was 'ovewhelmed' at the response.
Karina Allen, from Clowne, took to Facebook to ask if anyone wanted to donate items to the homeless and was 'ovewhelmed' at the response.

“I was overwhelmed by the response,” said the mum-of-three and grandma-of-two, who was inundated with toothbrushes, soap, flannels and sanitary products.

"My thinking was people might have a few smellies they didn’t want left over from Christmas, but people have been buying things from their usual shop to give to me.

“I put everything in drawstring bags and already have 36 ready to go to hand to shelters or people directly.”

Karina, who is originally from Whitwell, said the pandemic has been an ‘eye-opener’ that has inspired her to do more for charity.

Karina also knitted hats for the homeless.Karina also knitted hats for the homeless.
Karina also knitted hats for the homeless.

"My family and I always tried my best to give something back,” she said. “But I think we could all do more. Imagine if everyone gave just £1.

“Many of us complain about the little things but then there are people on the streets who have literally nothing.

"Most of us have good lives, really. I was really humbled when the donations started coming in thick and fast.

"These might be every day things to us, but are essential items everyone on this planet needs.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Sam Jackson, editor.

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