HUNDREDS of sleeping bags are needed to protect the region’s most vulnerable people from the cold.

The Salvation Army (SA) in Darlington has launched its annual summer sleeping bag appeal in a bid to keep the town warm this winter.

Organisers of the SA’s Darlington foodbank are seeking donations from generous people to purchase 300 sleeping bags to help vulnerable people through the bitter winter months.

Last summer’s appeal saw 250 sleeping bags given out to people in need, many of whom were over the age of 50.

Major Colin Bradshaw, of the Salvation Army Citadel, Darlington, said the winter months brought about a number of challenges and put the town’s most vulnerable at risk.

He said: “It is usually the poorest people that have to pay the highest energy rates.

“We have encountered too many people, especially older ones, that cannot afford to put the heating on.

“This results in them not only needing a sleeping bag, but living in the bag all day and night to keep away hypothermia.”

Major Bradshaw said he had encountered a number of tragic situations while working at the organisation’s foodbank.

He said: “An elderly lady’s husband died on a Friday. On the Monday, when she went to register his death, her husband’s portion of their state pension (60 per cent) was stopped.

“She had to survive with the money she had left, for five weeks in the middle of winter.

“Cold and hungry, she came to our Friday Night Food Bank, where we provided her with food and a sleeping bag to help keep her warm.

“She later confessed that she had contemplated suicide.”

The Citadel’s appeal is urging local residents to help them raise enough funds for the vulnerable members of our community to survive this autumn, winter and spring.

Major Bradshaw said the target was £1,800 which would allow him to purchase 300 sleeping bags at the cheaper summer price of £6 each.

He said: “If 300 people sent us £6 each, we would be able to help people get through the winter.”

Donations, either by cash or cheque (made payable to The Salvation Army), can be sent to The Salvation Army, Thompson Street East, Darlington, DL1 3EW.

Further information can be found on facebook.com/darlington.citadel or by ringing 01325-380994.