A HOMELESS charity is inviting residents to help “rewrite the story” for people experiencing homelessness, as it celebrates 40 years since first opening its doors in Worcester in December 1985.
Maggs’ 2025 Christmas campaign, Help Rewrite the Story. Give the Gift of Hope, shines a light on the reality of homelessness during the festive season, while celebrating the compassion, resilience and generosity that have kept Maggs’ doors open for four decades.
Maggs spokesperson Melissa Blewitt said: “Christmas has always been a symbolic time for Maggs – it’s when we first opened our doors to welcome 17 people seeking warmth and safety. Forty years later, we’re still here, doing that same work every day.
The need has grown but so has the kindness of our community. Every donation, every meal, and every act of compassion helps us keep hope alive for the next person who walks through our door.”
This year, the campaign invites individuals, schools, businesses and community groups to “give the gift of hope” by supporting Maggs’ Day Centres and Clothing Project through donations, fundraising and simple, practical actions.
Supporters can choose symbolic Gift of Hope Baubles, which fund meals, sleeping bags and essentials, organise Storybook Wishlists that gather warm clothing, toiletries and food, or take part in community storytelling, with schools and churches creating “chapters of hope” to display across Worcestershire.
Melissa added: “This anniversary isn’t just about looking back – it’s about looking forward. With costs rising and need increasing, the support we receive this Christmas will help ensure Maggs can continue rewriting stories for the next 40 years.”
Maggs’ origins trace back to the tragic death of John Maggs, a local man who died while rough sleeping in Worcester in July 1984. His death sparked a citywide effort to prevent others from dying on the streets, leading to the foundation of Maggs Day Centre just months later, on December 21 1985.
Visit www.maggsdaycentre.co.uk/christmas-2025/ to donate.
