High Wycombe-based crafting company Stampin’ Up! has donated 1,354 handmade greetings cards to Wycombe Homeless Connection, a support service for those facing homelessness.

The cards will be sent to the support service’s network of more than 400 volunteers to thank them for giving up their time to help some of the area’s most vulnerable people.

A team of six volunteers, including Stampin’ Up!’s Kelly Francis, raced to create as many cards as possible during an afternoon crafting session held at the company’s UK office on May 15.

Stampin’ Up! demonstrators from across the UK also contributed to the effort, sending in hundreds of their own handmade cards for the appeal.

The initiative was held to mark Stampin’ Up!’s day of service, an annual, company-wide initiative where employees across the globe dedicate their time to serving their local communities.

Paula Gorry, demonstrator development manager at Stampin’ Up! said: “Giving our time to support others is such an important part of our company ethos, so we were delighted to be able to provide some support for this incredibly important cause.

“Making cards is deceptively easy - not to mention a lot of fun! However, more importantly, giving something handmade is also one of the most thoughtful ways to say thank you.”

Di Morrish, volunteering manager at Wycombe Homeless Connection, said: “Our volunteers are the bedrock of Wycombe Homeless Connection and contribute over 15,000 hours of time each year.

“Their patience and care make all the difference for our guests and we couldn’t continue to provide the service we do without them.

“This is our chance to let them know just how appreciative we are for everything that they do.”

Wycombe Homeless Connection offers advice and support to those facing homelessness and aims to help people understand their rights, find accommodation and keep their homes.

The service also runs the Wycombe winter night shelter, which provides temporary accommodation for rough sleepers in the area every winter.

See www.wyhoc.org.uk for more.