“HEART-WARMING” donations made locally for Afghan refugees have reportedly “overwhelmed” the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) council.

The authority announced it was working with Slough Refugee Support, a charity that provides practical help to refugees across the Thames Valley, by setting up donation drop-off points.

During the first three days, more than 300 donations including clothing and baby items have been sorted and categorised to ensure that items can be quickly dispatched to those in need.

READ MORE: Afghan families to be resettled in Windsor & Maidenhead 'immediately'

RBWM has confirmed it will accommodate and support two Afghan families immediately and is prepared to welcome further households under the national resettlement scheme.

The council is now asking that donations are limited to:

  • Household moving packs including pots, pans, crockery and cutlery
  • Baby basics equipment including bottles and nappies
  • School uniform including children’s shoes
  • New, packaged underwear for men, women and children of all ages
  • Toiletries
  • Strong storage containers to enable the creation of property start-up sets

Slough Observer:

Items can be taken to RBWM’s drop-off point out the front of John West House, Unit 5, The Quadrant, Howarth Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1AP.

Any future in-kind donations which are surplus to the needs of Afghan refugees resettling in the local area will be distributed to wider refugee groups or homeless households in need.

Cash donations can be made online at sloughrefugeesupport.org.uk where there is further information about ways to donate, or you can call 01753 537142 for more information. Monetary donations should be referenced “Afghan refugees”.

READ MORE: Windsor & Maidenhead Council works with Slough charity to support Afghan refugees

RBWM leader councillor Andrew Johnson said: “We set up the donations drop-off point on Friday after people got in touch asking how they can donate to the relief effort, and we have since been overwhelmed by the remarkable response and heart-warming generosity from the community. Thank you.

“The Royal Borough is participating in the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, providing safe refuge to Afghan staff who supported UK operations and HM Armed Forces in Afghanistan and whose lives are now sadly under serious threat.

“As a compassionate borough, I am so proud of the way we are responding swiftly and compassionately, as a community and a council, to this national call for support, and we will ensure that the donations find their way quickly to help those in need.”