THOUSANDS of migrants have been dying horribly at sea, and apart from volunteer outfits and the media, nobody in the affluent West took much notice, least of all the European Commission, the body best placed to help.

The commission last week stirred itself into action, saying it will have a “plan” “soon” but the media have pricked the consciences of people around the world with the picture of a child’s body washed up on a beach.

How can we help? By donating tents and other items.

Calais Aid, which has set up a drop-off point at a social-entrepreneur centre in Haggerston at Hackney E8 4DG. Today Sunday 6 September 2015 is drop-off day.

Do a quick sweep of your home for items that might be wanted. Some items are not wanted and will only clog up the system, so check the list.

Even incomplete tents are much-needed. If yours has been lying unloved in a cupboard, now is the time to put it to use: take it along to Calais Aid’s Hackney drop-off.

David Altheer 060915

* Hive, 260 Kingsland Road, Hackney E8 4DG

* Picture (© [email protected]) at top: overwhelmed by the generosity of Hackney people, volunteers sort the gifts for transport to the Continent

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