OWNERS of a Gwendraeth Valley salon are ensuring they will be on the nice list this Christmas by helping out a local organisation.

Sparkle’s Hair, Nails and Beauty in Cross Hands has become a drop-off point for donations which will be handed out to homeless people across Swansea during the festive period.

Co-owners Heather Richards and Emma Whitley decided to do the good deed to help those less fortunate who will be spending Christmas on the streets.

The duo have recently teamed up to open the salon three weeks ago and will offer nail and hair services.

Heather said: “Our intention is to collect as much as we can in order to fill backpacks which will then be handed out to the homeless on Christmas Eve.

“Loads of places do the shoebox appeal which is excellent, but I think the fact people can just drop off singular items is sometimes more easier and flexible.

“I have donated items to homeless shelters and charities in the past so we decided to get involved with an organisation called Homeless at Christmas, which distributes the donations across local areas.

“I went to Cardiff recently and I got talking to a homeless man and it really hit home that he, along with plenty of others, will be alone on the streets this Christmas.

“I went back to talk to him again and gave him some of my pizza which I couldn’t eat and he was so grateful.

“We had looks from people walking by as if to say why would we be speaking to him, but they didn’t know his story.”

Hairdresser Emma said: “For me it is nice to show children that Christmas is not just about having presents but it is also about helping others.”

“Everyone has something in their homes which they don’t need or use so why not give it to someone who is in desperate need.

“From gloves to toothpaste, jumpers to unwanted backpacks, sweets to dog bowls, anything donated will really make a difference.”

The ladies are also considering becoming a permanent drop off point for donations.

Heather added: “We think about the homeless more in the Christmas because it is also about friends and family but these people are on the streets all year round, so I’d like to keep on donating throughout the year.”

Anyone wishing to donate can drop off their items at Sparkle’s on 25 Heol Bryngwili, Cross Hands by December 10.