Mum’s rallying cry for Syrian families

Sam Griffiths has designated her home as a drop-off point for charity Calais Action, to help feed and clothe refugees. She is pictured with her daughter, Arabella Griffiths-Weston, three

Various groups have sprung up on Facebook asking Lancashire residents to donate items of clothing and food supplies which will be collected and sent to a refugee camp in Calais as part of a national convoy.

Now, Sam Griffiths, 30, from Warton, who has designated her home at 9 Post Lane, as a drop-off point for charity Calais Action, said: “I set up a Facebook group for donations which hasn’t even been active for 24 hours and I’ve already received more than 100 messages from people across Lancashire looking to help. I was moved to do something after seeing the image of the poor boy who drowned. I’m a mother of a three-year-old myself.

“As human beings we have a moral obligation to help other human beings.

Sam Griffiths with some of the donated clothing

“This has shown me how generous people in Lancashire are.

“It’s restored my faith in humanity”.

Fellow volunteer Sara Hilton, from Blackpool, added: “This is about people power. We’re all grouping together to do the right thing

“I’ve organised a drop-off point at the Salvation Army on Raikes Parade in Blackpool and the response has been overwhelming”

Calais Action is a grass roots giving movement, supported by volunteers who provide support to those in Calais and raise awareness of the growing humanitarian crisis.

A recent petition urging the government to review its support for refugees surged past its 100,000-signature goal and currently has around 400,000 supporters with backers across Lancashire.

Goods needed for refugees – and some not to send to collection point

Calais Action is calling for donations of clothing, camping gear and foodstuffs.

Desperately needed are: trainers, wellies and hiking shoes (especially sizes 41/43), tents – even incomplete ones – travel bags, lights, socks, belts, jackets and tinned foods.

Other clothing needed includes hoodies, tracksuit bottoms, jeans, underwear, leggings, shirts and T-shirts.

Toiletries, pots and pans and cleaning products are also needed.

Not needed at the present time due to sizeable donations are: women’s and children’s clothes, sheets, pillows, jumpers, sanitary pads, couscous, pasta, oatmeal or bulgur wheat.