'Our project will help those across the community, ranging from support to the homeless to taking gift bags to hostels for women and children and helping those who don鈥檛 meet the criteria for local food banks.'
Dimas Lopez, from Nightstop, based in the John Paul Centre, said: 'We offer emergency accommodation to young people and adults who would otherwise be spending time on the streets. This will help them to meet their primary needs. It鈥檚 really heartening to see so much support.'
Terry Doyle, from Positive Pathways out of Homelessness, also based at the John Paul Centre, added: 'We鈥檙e all working with different groups, but we have the same aims and it means a lot to be able to link up in this way, as it helps to ensure no-one slips through the net by working together.'
Jayne Golden, of Volun-tees, said: 'This is the ninth Christmas collection organised by Volun-tees and the support students and staff have given to help these organisations has been amazing.'
Jo Russell, from Middlesbrough Council鈥檚 public health team said: 'These are independent groups doing great work in the community and it鈥檚 really positive to see the support they鈥檝e received.'