'Donations like this can save lives' - thank you to our friends at leading law firm Howes Percival

Members of the team at a leading local law firm, Howes Percival gave us a lovely surprise just before Christmas when they invited us over to receive a mountain of donations they had collected for us.

Staff at Howes Percival amassed the huge pile of items for us to take back home to the women we support.

It is the second time this year they have made such a donation, and we are so grateful to them for their generosity.

It is a real gesture of solidarity with the women we see here, particularly those who are desperate and destitute.

The food the team collected so thoughtfully, having spoken to us beforehand for guidance, was soon filling tummies.

The clothing, including woolly jumpers, hats and scarves perfect for the winter chill, is going to some of the most vulnerable and socially excluded women we see here.

Our clothing bank is an essential part of the service we provide, and the Howes Percival donation is a wonderful addition to it.

It is no exaggeration to say donations like this can save lives, especially at this time of year.

The team also added some Christmas treats in the form of cosmetics and even a few pieces of jewellery. A lovely touch.

Justine Flack, a partner at Howes Percival said: "Our aim is to be as impactful as we can in the communities in which we work.

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Our Manisha begins the unpacking.

"Our staff have been incredibly generous, and they’ve been fantastic at organising these donations.

"We are all proud to support the New Futures Project and to help make a difference for women who need it most.”

On the day we visited, Howes Percival were also supporting their charity of the year, The Bridge; a local charity helping people experiencing homelessness.

Apart from clothing, here's a rough guide to the kind of donations we need regularly:

• Deodorant (roll-on)

• Shower gel

• Dry shampoo

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Antibacterial hand gel

• Water wipes

• Feminine wipes

• Tampons

• Sanitary towels

• Toothpaste

• Toothbrush

• Body cream

• Breakfast bars

If you would like to drop off a donation, call us on 0116 2510803 to arrange a day and time. We are open Monday to Thursday.

We are in London Road, just a short distance up the road from Leicester railway station and parking is available nearby.

We may be able to collect too. Again, please call us for a chat.

 The New Futures Project offers a comprehensive welfare and counselling service for women and young people dealing with sexual abuse or exploitation, domestic violence, trafficking, poverty and debt, substance use or mental ill-health.

Call us on 0116 251 0803 or send us a message at: info@new-futures.org.uk

You can find us at 71 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0PE.