Warm hearts ease winter nights for homeless

Claire Adams-Adamiak is overwhelmed by the generosity of the public in response to her appeal to help the street people of Auckland City. Photo / Richard Robinson

Aucklanders have opened their hearts to the city's homeless in response to an appeal for blankets and beanies as winter's cold nights begin to bite.

Claire Adams-Adamiak, a 71-year-old grandmother dubbed the "Mother Teresa of Queen St" for her weekly soup service to people sleeping on the streets, has been overwhelmed by gifts of about 50 sleeping bags, 160 beanies and enough blankets and other gifts to fill her spare room.

More than 200 people from as far afield as Rotorua and Christchurch, have rung to offer help since her phone number was published in the Herald on June 15.

"They have been couriering things. They are so generous. It's just absolutely incredible," Mrs Adams-Adamiak said. "I can hardly move in my spare room.

"An Asian family came on Sunday night from Howick and brought beautiful polar fleece blankets and a whole lot of things."

She said an Irish man brought her a consignment of new beanies still in their plastic wrapping. Others have given new clothes and money.

"I don't ask for money, but I accepted it because I buy things for them. I've bought a lot of soaps and toothbrushes and things," she said.

She has asked two friends to help her distribute the goods to the homeless tomorrow and over the weekend.