TWO local volunteer groups have come together at an event to organise a large donation to refugees in the community.

Soroptimists is a worldwide volunteer service organisation to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

Lisa Buxton, member of the Soroptimists Ellesmere Port branch, said: “Refugees have been in the news a lot, due to the crisis in Ukraine, so we wanted to help.

“We from soroptimists invited Chris from Refugee Assist to attend one of our meetings. We donated some toiletries and anything else they needed.

“Then I asked Chris if there was anything else we could do which was more hands on and he told us about the ‘talk and sort’ event.”

Every three weeks on a Monday, the 'talk and sort' event takes place at the Refugee Assist's Neston scout hut.

The soroptimists took park in the event on Monday, helping sort out all of the donations and pick out good quality items to donate to any refugee who needs it.

Lisa added: “There was loads of donations which we are so grateful for.

“Really good quality clothing, loads of toys, a working phone and toiletries.”

The pink bags pictured above are just one load of donations. They are being gifted to a bridging hotel which is housing Afghan refugee families.

Christopher Young, Founder of Refugee Assist, said: “I was invited to meet the ladies of the Ellesmere Port Soroptimists a couple of months ago, at one of their monthly meetings.

“From there, the enthusiasm to help and hear what we have done was amazing. A few of the ladies have now become part of the team at the 'talk and sort' nights. Dignity and respect are key to what we do!”

To find out more about the 'talk and sort' events, visit here.