SUCCESS for Test Valley charity after an appeal to support refugees who have fled Afghanistan.

The appeal to the community has reaped rewards when the organisation asked for donations to help the evacuees.

Recognising the need to provide basic items for individuals and families, Unity was ‘swamped’ with donations following a social media campaign which local residents quickly responded to.

Within a week, Unity’s board room was full of donations which included a 32” flat screen television, pushchairs, toys and hygiene products as well as clothing. As a result, the request for donations was closed within days.

Supporting Afghan families has also meant that Unity Transport has had a role to play by taking individuals to medical appointments, to the mosque and making a bus available for social activities.

Terry Bishop, Unity Chief Executive said: “I am extremely thankful to the Test Valley residents who generously donated and to Unity’s staff and volunteers who dropped everything to make this happen in a matter of days.

"To be able to assist these people in some measure is really important to us and we hope that they are soon settled and can rebuild their lives.”

For those interested in volunteering or would you like to become a volunteer driver for Unity, contact Greg Alexander or Christianne Ireland on 0330 4004 116 or register at www.unityonline.org.uk