Glasgow based charity is also seeking coats, bags and toiletries - it is opening two donation centres on December 4

A Scottish charity is hoping to collect over 500 sleeping bags to give to homeless people to keep them warm this winter.

Simon Community Scotland is also urging the general public to donate rucksacks and handbags full of essential items, such as food, clothes and toiletries for men and women.

The charity will distribute items collected to those in need in Glasgow, North Ayrshire and North Lanarkshire in time for Christmas.

With winter beginning to bite we need donations and support

It has set December 4 as Donations Day and is encouraging members of the public to drop off items at the warehouse on 24 Rosyth Road, Shawfield between 10am and 4pm or to The Barn Youth Centre, 37 Abbotsford Place, Gorbals between 12pm and 4pm.

Simon Community Scotland engages around 3,000 people at risk of or experiencing homelessness and operates eight residential facilities.

In September it marked its 50th anniversary of seeking to provide practical solutions for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

In Glasgow alone, its street team works with around 150 rough sleepers every month, with up to 40 new cases each month.

Hugh Hill, director of services at Simon Community Scotland, said: “Rough sleeping is bad for your physical and mental health; it’s unsafe, it’s risky and it’s scary.

“With winter beginning to bite, it just gets worse. We need donations and support.”

The campaign has already won the support of comedian, writer and actor, Moray Hunter.

Hunter, famous for his roles in the Channel 4 sketch show Absolutely, teamed up with the charity to create a promotional video (above) for the appeal.

He says: “Sometimes, I can’t face taking the dog out for a walk when the weather’s a bit rough, so I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like to be out there all the time.

“Please help those living on the streets by supporting the Simon Community Rucksack and Handbag Appeal.”

For those unable to fill a handbag or a rucksack with items they think may be needed the charity is happy to accept individual items or items in a box or plastic bag.

Anything and everything is needed from tinned food with ringpulls for easy opening to new underwear, gloves, hairbands, and all toiletries including shampoo, toothpaste, tampons.

A list of ideas is on the Simon Community Scotland website.