CHRISTMAS can be hard for visitors to the Green Hut drop-in centre.

It's open to anyone and everyone, from the elderly to single parents to homeless people.

The Green Hut is one of the charities which are set to benefit from the Evening Advertiser/Rotary Christmas Appeal.

Gifts from readers are really appreciated here, whether it's cash, food or toys.

Last year more than 260 toys and almost 100 food parcels were given away by the centre over the Christmas period.

The centre is run by project manager Clive Hunt and cook Pam Bailiss.

Mr Hunt said: "If we receive toys, they will go to deserving young children. Food will go to families and people on low incomes and the money we receive will simply go towards keeping the centre open next year."

He said the centre was for anyone who needed it, whatever their need, but it was over Christmas that they had to put in a special effort.

This year they were helping to put on the celebrations at the Ferndale Youth Centre.

They will be helping to put on a communal Christmas for anyone who has nowhere to go.

Running from December 24-28, a range of volunteers including professionals and entertainers will be on hand to bring some Christmas cheer.

"Our youngest client is three months old and our oldest is 87 years old," said Clive.

"We will do what we can for anyone who comes through the door, whether it's travellers, individuals involved in care in the community or single parents.

"On a normal day we can issue anything from a pair of trousers to a toothbrush, so any donations in whatever form are appreciated."

If you'd like to help our appeal, you can donate toys, cash or non-perishable foods.

We've got collection bins for toys at 15 locations throughout the town, and if you like to donate food you can drop it round to the Adver offices at 100 Victoria Street, Old Town.

Cash can be donated over the internet by going to our website www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk