BUSINESSES have been praised for their 'overwhelming' generosity after hundreds of rucksacks packed with essential items were donated to Wirral homeless charities following a Facebook campaign.

The Rucksack Challenge, promoted on Wirral Chamber Of Commerce's Facebook page, attracted interest from businesses and individuals across the borough.

They donated enough essential items, such as food and water, to fill more than 300 rucksacks that were handed over to Wirral YMCA and Charles Thompson’s Mission during a presentation at the Laurie's Centre in Birkenhead this afternoon. 

The YMCA'S chief executive Nigel Hughes told the Globe: "You can’t underestimate the value of this, particularly at this time of year.

"This year we've had a relatively mild season, but all of a sudden we're very conscious of the cold snap.

"If you can imagine trying to exist in this cold weather if you’re out on the streets or if you're living on very, very low means and struggling even to heat your home initiatives like this are so vitally important.

"I cannot thank the generosity of Wirral people, particularly the business sector, who have supported this scheme.

"Many unseen people who probably won’t appreciate the value of what they have done for people with absolutely nothing sometimes, except the clothes they stand up in.

"This is something that will transform their winter period and, quite possibly their lives."

Also attending the presentation was Bernie Frost, manager of The Charles Thompson Mission in Birkenhead.

Opened in 1892, it lends a helping hand to those in need, providing hot meals throughout the year and collecting toys for the borough’s poorest children.

On the donation of rucksacks, Bernie told the Globe: "I got quite a shock when I came through the door and saw how many rucksacks and tables of food there were.

"I was expecting to turn up say a few words of thanks for a few rucksacks.

"There's some very practical stuff in there. For example, there are nappies in there, which is great because we get young mums at the mission, and sleeping bags.

"There are a lot of people going through a rough time and we can hand these out to them.

"We'll put the items away and hand them out throughout the year.

"It's been really enlightening and heart-warming to see that people have taken time out of their busy lives to help us. Thank you very much."

Paula Basnett, chief executive Wirral Chamber, said: "It did take all the business community to contribute and we’re overwhelmed by it.

"I can’t believe how many rucksacks and how much food has been donated.

"Absolutely overwhelmed by the support from our businesses.”