A CHURCH in Milford Haven has been ‘overwhelmed’ by donations of clothes, shoes, blankets and other essentials to help Syrian refugees.

Nantucket Church, in Milford Haven, has been acting as a drop-off and sorting centre for donations to help families in Syria, and those who have already fled to Europe.

Asked why she felt compelled to help, church leader Naomi Joseph said: “Lots of people were looking to donate, but a big enough space was needed to take in and sort through everything, and we have such a big space here, that’s central too, so it just made sense to step up.”

“People have been superb,” she added.

Town councillor Rose Gray, who has been helping sort donations with her young family, said she had been overwhelmed by the number of donations.

“It’s been really emotional, I’ve given quite a few people a big hug,” she said.

“One man came in whose grandson had passed away due to cot death, and he brought in all the baby’s unworn clothes.”

Although dismayed that the campaign had met with some negativity on social media, she said this had been overshadowed by the ‘incredible will to help’ of local people.

“Some people make it complicated when it doesn’t need to be,” she said.

“My little boy summed it up perfectly when he said ‘they’re just people’.

“We don’t realise how lucky we are.

“In years to come our children will learn about this crisis, and I want them to know we helped.”

She said even by donating a toothbrush and toothpaste people could make a ‘huge difference’.

“That’s what makes you feel human, being clean,” she added.

Last week, Year 10 and 11 pupils from Milford Haven School got stuck in to help sort through the mountains of donated goods, three cars full of goods were donated by parents and friends of Cleddau Reach School, and several deliveries have also been made from residents in St Davids.

A delivery of women and children’s clothes has already been shipped to Syria via Anaya Aid, and a delivery of tents, sleeping bags, men’s clothes and other items is being sent to France via Calaid.

The church will also be working with local businesses, schools, colleges and other churches in the next few weeks to establish more collections.

To find out what items are needed, contact naomijoseph@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 07747 602056.