- Molly McGinley spent her birthday money helping the homeless in Manchester
- The youngster bought food and coffee for Margaret Smith, 23, in Piccadilly
- Ms Smith had dreams of being a singer but has been homeless for a year
A nine-year-old girl has unselfishly decided to help out the homeless this festive season by spending some of her birthday money to buy food and coffee for those less fortunate.
Molly McGinley said she wanted to help out after seeing charity workers helping Manchester’s rough sleepers.
The young girl headed out with her mother Janine Kenny to Piccadilly and spoke with Margaret Smith, 23, who has been homeless for a year.
It was after witnessing the harsh reality that people faced out on the street that Molly decided she wanted to help out.
The nine-year-old told the Manchester Evening News: ‘I was walking down the street and I saw all these people giving loads of food to homeless people. Also I heard a couple of people at school were doing it.
Molly McGinley said she wanted to help out after seeing charity workers helping Manchester’s rough sleepers
‘So I asked my mum if I could do it and she said yes. So we got some hot drinks and soup and food and gave it to Margaret.
‘I did it with my birthday money and I do think everybody should do something like that to help.
‘It’s sad in winter, it’s really cold. Today my mum told me to get a coat and I didn’t and now I’m freezing and I had to go and buy a hat but some people can’t do that.’
Ms Smith thanked Molly and wished her a Happy Christmas. When she was a young girl, Ms Smith dreamed of growing up and becoming a famous singer, but a couple of tough years have seen the 23-year-old struggle out on the streets.
She told the MEN that the cold weather had seen her socks turn hard.
Ms Smith said: ‘I never ever thought I would find myself in this position.
‘All I ever wanted to do was sing. If I could have anything for Christmas, it would be my family.’
The 23-year-old has been made homeless following a divorce and sometimes plays the free piano on Deansgate for passers-by.
She is one of a growing number of people who have spent the festive season on the streets, with rough sleeping in Manchester having increased tenfold since 2010.
The nine-year-old girl spent time talking to Margaret Smith, who has been homeless for a year