Warmer winter on way for homeless and needy

Salvation Army member Diana Adlam has been collecting blankets and hot water bottles for the city's homeless and needy. Photo / File

Rotorua's homeless and needy are set to get a winter warmer courtesy of the Salvation Army when more than 100 donated blankets and hot water bottles get distributed.

Since the start of this month Salvation Army member Diana Adlam has been helping to run The Blankets For All appeal looking for donations of blankets and new hot water bottles to be given to local social agencies and people in need.

Mrs Adlam said she had collected more than 100 blankets and 30 hot water bottles from members of the public and local businesses.

"A big thanks has to go out to everyone who has donated so far. They are very generous and the blankets are high-quality."

The collection finishes on Monday so there is still time to drop off items at the Salvation Army Family Store on Pukuatua St or at the church on Old Taupo Rd.

"I sort of started it off as I kept reading in the paper about people being cold.

"It seems to be a need in the community and that's the basis of it, we can meet that need, it's the community helping the community."

Mrs Adlam said the donated items will be handed out, no questions asked.

-Donations to the Blankets For All appeal can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Church at 271 Old Taupo Rd from 9am to 1pm during the week or at the Salvation Army Family Store on Pukuatua St. Blankets and hot water bottles will be distributed from the Pukuatua St store from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday and Thursday next week.