Person of the Month: Julie King

LAUGHTER HIGH: Anti -synthetic cannabis crusader Julie King says helping prevent people using the drug was "like a happy pill they give you in hospital". PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 150514SP2

Julie King has now grabbed another social cause to support - Blankets of Love.

Not long after helping stop the sale of legal highs, she's got behind a drive to collect unwanted blankets for redistribution to the homeless and needy in Rotorua.

Ten collection areas have been set up in the city and surrounding suburbs for people to drop off any blankets they longer need.

Collection days are on Monday and Tuesday this week.

Working with the Love Soup charity, Mrs King wants any clean blankets, hats, gloves, socks, scarves and sleeping bags donated for the cause.

The items will be sorted and redistributed to people who need them to ward off the cold of winter.

"All the items we collect at the drop-off locations will be passed on to needy individuals and families by community groups and churches," she said.

"Workplaces can also collect any woollen items which will be collected by community groups during the day."

Drop-off locations are at Elim Gallery, Fenton Park Bible Church, Living Well Church, Lockwood Homes, Mamaku School, Mokoia Community Centre, Rotorua Baptist Church, St John's Church, Western Heights Health Centre and the National Party electorate office.

All locations will be open to accept donations between 9am-4pm on Monday and Tuesday.

Redistribution will be made from May 21-23.

For more info: www.lovesoup.co.nz, or www.facebook.com/groups/blanketsrotorua/