GENEROUS shoppers have been donating food to feed the homeless in Worcester.

The Tesco Express store in Martley Road, Henwick Park, Worcester, encouraged customers to buy extra items and has now donated the haul to Worcester YMCA.

The Henwick Road centre provides shelter to those in need and the gift is particularly timely, with uncertainty over its financial future due to looming council cuts.

The YMCA has already put some of the donation to good use by sending resident Kirsty Sewell, who is moving into her own accommodation, on her way well stocked with a starter pack of groceries and other essentials.

“That is something that we are not normally able to do due to lack of resources,” said community development manager Sarah Harris.

“The remaining goods from the donation will be used to support our residents living here at the YMCA.

“We are very grateful to Tesco customers and the store for picking us as their worthy cause.”

As your Worcester News has reported, a petition fighting for the future of the 85-bed YMCA has been launched in response to Worcestershire County Council proposals to cut its £1.8 million annual spend on supported accommodation and housing-related support by 50 per cent.

The YMCA receives about £800,000 from the council and it is not yet known how heavily this will be cut.

While closure is not on the cards, YMCA bosses have warned the current service offered could become unsustainable if cuts are severe.

They say they have been buoyed by support, positive comments and generous donations from the public of Worcester since news of the potential funding cuts was announced.