Kind-hearted students at a south Bucks university have helped to brighten up Christmas for homeless people around High Wycombe with ‘homeless hamper’ boxes filled with essentials for the cold weather.

Students and staff at Bucks New University's High Wycombe campus filled more than 70 boxes with warm clothing, non-perishable food and other useful items to hand over to Wycombe Homeless Connection (WHC), in Castle Street, this week – something the student union does every year.

The number of hampers is expected to go up once donations from the university’s other campus in Uxbridge have been received.

Rebecca Hamer, activities coordinator (volunteering and charity fundraising), said: “I’m so proud of everyone who has filled and donated a box.

“They have been really inventive with the items that will be helpful to those using Wycombe Homeless Connection service.

“Everyone just put so much thought and effort in to make the appeal such a success.”

WHC is a charity founded as a community project of local churches, serving more than 500 adult homeless or vulnerably-housed people each year.

It helps homeless people to rebuild their lives by helping them to overcome the obstacles in finding or keeping accommodation. The charity also runs a night shelter.

Sheena Dykes, the WHC chair of trustees, said: “We’ve had some of the coldest weather for several years so far this winter, so we know that this timely donation of warm clothing and other goods will be much appreciated.

“We are delighted that our local university – like so many individuals – is doing its bit for the local community, by giving so generously to benefit local homeless people. Thank you.”