Superstar fundraiser Esme Salt raised £230 to create packs filled with useful items for rough sleepers in Stoke-on-Trent.
Then the six-year-old Norton Primary Academy pupil ventured out on to the streets with her parents to hand them out to people in need.
And she even included a handwritten note with each bag reading: “Keep going, love Esme.”
Esme says she was inspired by watching American families create packs for the homeless on YouTube, and by her mum Georgina’s voluntary work at the No.11 centre in Burslem, which provides hot meals for vulnerable adults.
“I saw it on YouTube and thought it was a good idea, something nice and kind, and I wanted to help,” she said. “We put socks, hats, gloves, a torch, biscuits, chocolate, a toothbrush and toothpaste and thermal cups in every bag. We’ve given out nine bags so far, eight for boys and one for a girl.”
Georgina, a retired social worker from Norton, said: “It became a family project and Esme asked me if we could fund it. I didn’t want it to be that simple, I wanted her to raise the money and see it through to the end.”
Esme originally set herself a target of £50, enough for five bags. But when Georgina set up a Just Giving page they received a flood of donations from friends, family members and people from across the city all wanting to help.
JD Sports chipped in with draw-string bags to put the items in, and Esme and her family handed out the first set in Burslem town centre at the end of January.
Georgina said: “Esme sees a homeless man on a regular basis on her way to her swimming lessons at the DW Sports Fitness pool in Tunstall.
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“This, and my work at No.11, started lots of discussions at home. I wanted Esme to understand why rough sleepers are there as it can be a controversial area and often people don’t know what to do or how to help.”
“I’m really glad Esme’s idea has given those who want to help an opportunity to do so.”
Georgina says she is so proud of Esme for her hard work and for being so brave when handing out the bags.
“Esme was nervous at first but she soon got over the apprehension and saw it was just people having a rough time who really appreciated her help,” she said. “She is only six and did something which is daunting for many adults.”
The family say the response has been ‘wonderful’ and hope to extend the project.
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