Staff members at Newport-based AluK are collecting warm winter wear, food and toiletries on behalf of the Cwmbran Community Centre’s Free Christmas Dinner appeal.

AluK, which has its base at Imperial Park on the west side of the city, will be collecting for the homeless and those alone up until December 23, delivering the packages to the centre in time for Christmas.

Sarah Willmott, AluK customer service administrator and the appeal coordinator, said: “We have a fantastic workforce who are always keen to support initiatives in the local community. We offered our help by promoting the event internally via our newsletter and placing collection points throughout our premises for staff to place gifts in. We have had a fantastic response and we can’t wait to deliver the contributions to the volunteers at the community centre.”

So far, the staff at AluK have donated enough items to make up 50 care packages. Many team members have volunteered to carry out a range of tasks in the lead up to the Christmas Day event such as wrapping and delivering the parcels. Some of the workforce will also be on hand at the community centre to help out on the day.

Tricia Edwards, on behalf of Cwmbran Community Centre, said: “We will open our doors at 8.30am for breakfast, with washing facilities and a change of clothing available to anyone who needs it. Throughout the day, bingo and other games will be played by those who want to join in, and children’s toys and games will be provided to keep the young ones entertained.

“We are privileged to have a saxophone player from Canada volunteer his time to come and play for us, between visiting his family. We are also hoping to get a screen and projector to provide some extra entertainment in the form of a Christmas film for the kids or to display Christmas images and songs.”

The latest figures show that 14,160 households in Wales applied to their local authority for homelessness assistance in 2014/15.

In addition, nearly 500,000 older people in the UK are at risk of spending Christmas day alone.

The team at the Cwmbran Community Centre is expecting large number and variety of people on the day - disadvantaged families with children, elderly and homeless people. Other groups that are usually present are younger adults that are perhaps alone and those with mental health issues.

The Cwmbran Community Centre Free Christmas Dinner is open to all and everyone takes a gift away with them.

AluK is encouraging local residents and businesses to get involved by donating items to the cause. The manufacturer has set up a collection point at its main reception in Newport, where those wanting to help can drop off their donations. The company’s address is AluK (GB) Ltd, Imperial Park, Celtic Way, Newport, NP10 8BE.