A CAMPAIGN for a new lifeline charity van has paid off.

Just over a week ago, The Daily Echo backed a campaign to get Southampton City Mission (SCM) a vital new van after their current 10-year-old vehicle was deemed unfit for purpose.

As Christmas crept closer the charity was afraid that they would not be able to provide vital food and clothes banks that feed and clothe the most needing members of the community.

Now the SCM have reached their target of £18,000 to get a new work vehicle.

One generous individual, who has asked to remain anonymous, made a sizeable donation which helped the charity achieve their target.

Basics bank manager, David Osborne said: “I am really grateful, the article kick-started a series of responses from people that wanted to help.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to the Southern Daily Echo and the city of Southampton.”

The Christian organisation is now going to view second-hand Mercedes Sprinter van to purchase.

SCM is a self-sufficient charity who have provided food and clothes to more than 8,500 people in the city for the last 20 years.

Manager of SCM, Duncan House said: “We have had some remarkable donations since the article was published, it just began to snowball.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Daily Echo for taking on our cause and for the Southampton public for coming forward so generously and so quickly.”

The new van will continue to drop and collect, food and clothes, from the five drop off points in the city.

Those areas are: Shirley, Portswood, Hedge End, Sholing and the city centre.

People are still encouraged to leave items at designated Sainsbury’s and John Lewis stores as donations.

All the money the charity raise will be used to support the basics banks which act as a lifeline to city residents struggling to make ends meet.

As previously reported referred clients receive one voucher that they can bring to any of the food bank venues when they are open, to exchange it for up to 5 days of food for the people provided for on the voucher.

This will be a mix of tinned, packets and boxed food as well as fresh produce.

All the food and clothes available are donated by individuals, churches, schools, the public and businesses.

The SCM are still looking for sponsorship for the maintenance of the vehicle and are keen to speak to businesses who may wish to put their logo on the van that will be driving all over the city.