AN EXTRA 350 elderly people are set to receive some cold-weather essentials thanks to donations to a Daily Echo-backed campaign.

The Surviving Winter Appeal, managed by Dorset Community Foundation, supports older and vulnerable people through donations of the winter fuel allowance which are not needed by the recipient.

Since the annual appeal was launched on November 17, 2014, a total of £21,300 has been raised which has already gone on to help 140 people with their winter fuel payments and winter warmer packs.

The latest batch of 350 packs, which contain fleece blanket, hand warmers, gloves, soup, hot water bottle and a flask, will be distributed through Faithworks Wessex, a local charity which supports the elderly through projects to combat loneliness and isolation.

Tracy Melling, appeal manager, pictured inset, said: “Part of the support from the appeal is also distributed in the form of grants of up to £200 to people aged over 65 who are struggling with winter fuel bills.”

She added that the grants are being distributed through the local Citizens Advice Bureau and people will have to go through an application to make sure they are eligible.

Dorset Community Foundation started their Surviving Winter Appeal four years ago in response to statistics, which revealed that there is an average of 500 winter-related deaths among the elderly in Dorset each year.

The charity is also appealing to the general public to donate if they feel passionate about supporting older people.

To make a donation to the Surviving Winter Appeal, go to localgiving.com/charity/dorsetcommunityfoundation or send a text message using WARM15 £5 to 70070. Alternatively, send a cheque made payable to the Dorset Community Foundation to: Surviving Winter, Dorset Community Foundation, 24 St Peters Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2LN.