An “angel” who helps people sleeping on the streets has been nominated for the Watford Observer Community Heroes Award.

Alma Parkes from Seeds of Love was recommended for the award by Caroline Powell from non-profit organisation, A Slice of Happiness.

Caroline said: “I’d like to nominate Alma because she has been visiting the homeless in Watford for three years every Saturday morning with hot beverages and a hot breakfast.

“When they are in prison, she visits them to show them someone cares.

“She spent last year organising a Christmas night and day shelter for 25 homeless people in Watford which lasted from December 24 to 27. There was food, massages, music and overnight accommodation.

“She even paid for the hall hire to be able to provide this for them. Truly an awesome act of kindness.

“The homeless call her an angel and the feedback from them was that they truly felt they had come home for Christmas.”

Alma, a retired teacher, lived in Watford for 35 years before recently moving to Luton.

She started Seeds of Love five years ago with her daughter, Caroline and a friend. The trio deliver food and clothing to people sleeping rough in the area.

She said: “We have always given money to the homeless, but I decided that wasn’t working so we started providing lunch and then gloves and other clothes.

“Then said let’s do a breakfast with a flask and sandwiches.

“I derive satisfaction helping people, I love helping. And I feel sad society has gone this way, sometimes I cry to see humans suffering in such conditions.”

Speaking about her Community Hero nomination, Alma said: “It’s a very nice gesture on Caroline’s part to nominate me.

“I was a bit shocked when she said she had done it and jokingly I said I’m going to kill you.”

Alma has two sons, and one daughter who helps her move the volunteer work forward with her “excellent ideas”. Alma is also a Seventh Day Adventist Christian.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/Asliceofhappinesscoach-166848730764638/