A GROUP of friends who grew increasingly concerned about homelessness in Oxford decided to take matters in to their own hands and distribute gift boxes.

The group, who have called themselves ‘Friends Who Care’, began gathering donations from friends and supporters earlier this month.

They were overwhelmed with generosity and collected enough supplies, including toiletries, food, gloves, hats and socks, to fill 50 gift boxes which were handed out on the streets of Oxford on Thursday night.

A local branch of the Bella Italia restaurant chain helped out and cooked up 20 pizzas for the group to share out.

One of the organisers, Caroline Lee Falconer from Carterton, said: “The trip was truly humbling and emotional.

“The amount of homeless sheltering from the elements was too many but each one of them was polite and grateful - not just thinking of themselves who have very little but also showing consideration and thoughtfulness for others.”

The group filled three cars full of the collection boxes and set off from their homes in West Oxfordshire.

‘Discrete’ parcels with toiletries were made for women and dogs were also given treats and warm coats.

Mrs Lee Falconer and her husband had made an emergency trip a week ago when snow and freezing temperatures hit the city in order to distribute some of the cold weather gear early.

The grandmother, 57, added: “It’s all too easy to become desensitised but the streets are not a place anyone should seek comfort.

“The response was heart wrenching and the gratitude was thanks enough.”