“WE’RE hoping for a miracle this Christmas.”

That was the message from a Worcester charity which has helped thousands of homeless people for almost 30 years as it faces the possibility of having to cut the number of hours it can offer help.

Maggs Day Centre, in Deansway, was set up in 1984 and provides meals, clothing and support for homeless people in the city seven days a week.

However, the charity has seen its funds drop over the past year as people and organisations feel the squeeze on their finances.

Manager Mel Kirk said the charity – established in memory of a homeless man who died after spending years sleeping rough – was currently consulting on proposed changes which could see its opening hours cut and was due to make a decision in January.

“If we do have to do this, it’s better that we do something now than having to close altogether in the future,” she said.

“The reason we open seven days a week is because homeless people need the support all the time.”

She said she hoped people would be extra generous this festive season to help keep the service afloat but realised many other charities and organisations were facing the same problem.

“We’re hoping for a miracle this Christmas,” she said.

Sue Taylor, who has used services run by the charity and now volunteers one day a week in the kitchen, said she was concerned such a vital service would be lost to people in Worcester who needed it.

“I was homeless when I came to Worcester but they helped me get a house,” she said.

“There’re a lot of people who really need help like that, especially in the cold weather.

“There’s always somebody you can talk to and the staff all do such a fantastic job – they’ve done so much for me.”

As well as the day centre which offers food, shelter and support as well as washing, shower and laundry facilities seven days a week, the charity also runs an activity centre providing skills training, as well as the Maggs Clothing Project, which provides free cloths, bedding and other items to people in need across the city.

The charity is always in need of donations of tinned food and clothes, which can be dropped off at the day centre in Deansway, or the clothing project headquarters, in Sansome Place.

For more information on the charity and volunteering opportunities call 01905 250 27 or visit maggsdaycentre.co.uk.

'If you ain’t got a quid I don’t know what we’ll do'

This poem was written by an anonymous person connected with Maggs as a call for donations:

Christmas is coming and the account ain’t fat.

So please put a fiver in Maggs’ hat.

If you ain’t got a fiver a quid will do.

If you ain’t got a quid I don’t know what we’ll do.