An appeal for donations is well underway in Lewisham, as the council announces its offer to help refugees fleeing war-torn countries.

The campaign, which was initially started by Labour councillors in the borough, has seen residents, schools and businesses join in the drive to support refugees in Calais as well as further afield.

All Lewisham Council run libraries have now been added to the list of drop-off points for donations which will be transported to those in need.

Lewisham Central councillor, Joan Reid, told News Shopper: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone in Lewisham for the overwhelming response we’ve had to our request for donations for refugees.

"It’s clear that as a community we want to do our bit to help and send a clear message that refugees are welcome here."

News Shopper:

Migrants and refugees paddling a rubber dinghy close to the beach at Psalidi near Kos Town, Kos, Greece. (c.) PA Wire.

Coun. Read said the most needed items includes shoes, tents and sleeping bags, jackets and tinned food.

She added: "Not only will it help make life a little more bearable for those who have fled their homes, but it also reassures them there are people who support them and their families in their quest for a safe place to live."

The tipping point for many in the UK came after the harrowing picture of drowned Syrian three-year-old Aylan Kurdi emerged, prompting people to ask whether more could be done to save those making the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean.

Following the statement by prime minister David Cameron in the House of Commons yesterday, in which he pledged to take in 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next four years, the mayor of Lewisham said the council is making preparations to accept its share.

Mayor Sir Steve Bullock said yesterday (September 7): "Lewisham residents are playing their part already and expect their council to play its part too. 

"I welcome the statement made today by the Prime Minister and we, along with other councils across London and further afield, are making preparations to receive our share of refugees over the next few days."

Two of Lewisham's Labour MPs have spoken out over the government's handling of the refugee crisis, claiming the prime minister's actions are "too little, too late".

News Shopper:

Below is the full list of drop-off locations in the Lewisham borough, in addition to council run libraries: 

  • Vicky Foxcroft MP for Lewisham Deptford Office, 82 Tanner's Hill, London, SE8 4PN. 10.00am-4.00pm Mondays-Fridays
  • Lewisham Disability Coalition, 111 Randlesdown Road, Bellingham, SE6 3HB. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10.00- 4.00pm
  • Africa Advocacy foundation, 76 Elmer Rd, Catford, SE6 2ER. 10.00am-6.00pm Mondays-Fridays
  • Age Exchange, 11 Blackheath Village, London SE3 9LA.
    Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Sat: 10am-5pm
  • Jim Dowd, MP for Lewisham West and Penge's office, 43 Sunderland Rd, Forest Hill, SE23 2PS. Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-3pm.
  • Action for Refugees In Lewisham, Leemore Centre, Claredon Rise, CE13 5ES. Check website for opening times: http://www.afril.org.uk/en/.