Monday 9 December 2013

Charity At Christmas

We're so lucky in so many ways. I count my blessings every Christmas that I've been able to give my kids the kind of Christmas I want to. I remember my own childhood Christmases, spent with my family in a warm house, plenty of good food and lots of presents. Unfortunately, there's lots of people who never experience a Christmas like this. Money is very tight for many people these days and it just doesn't stretch to keeping a roof over their heads, never mind such luxuries.

Eleanor brought a letter home from school last week about one of the school's nominated charities, St George's Crypt. This is an organisation in Leeds which helps homeless people in the city and they also provide food parcels and help for families in need. Each year, they ask the people of Leeds to donate a Christmas present which they can then distribute to families who are unable to buy gifts for their children. Eleanor's school had a collection point where gifts could be dropped off so we bought a few things which I hope will help out a family.


Morrisons had a buy one get two free offer on their selection boxes, so they worked out at £1 each, and I bought three small gifts, a cross stitch kit, a jigsaw and a colouring set, which were also £1 each. I hope that a child will enjoy these little presents on Christmas morning.

Mick's auntie's WI branch support the organisation with donations of gifts for the homeless. Mick's auntie bought two hats, two pairs of gloves and two pairs of thick socks, one set for a man and one set for a lady. I'm sure they'll be gratefully received.

It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement of Christmas that it can be easy to forget that many people aren't as fortunate as ourselves. I hope that our small contribution will make a difference to someone else's Christmas.

22 comments:

  1. You've put together a lovely gift box, for such a great charity. I'm sure the family who receive it will be extremely appreciative. Violet and I enjoy putting together a Christmas box for Operation Christmas Child. x

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    1. We supported Operation Christmas Child at the place where I used to work, another worthwhile charity. I do try to spare a thought for those less fortunate than myself, especially at this time of year when it really brings it home to you how worse off some people are.

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  2. It is important to give at any time of the year but at Christmas it is more so. I try to do my bit all year and intend to go the extra mile over the next 2 weeks. As most of my family says " there but for the grace of God go I"

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    1. That's very true. Any one of us could be in that same position, something I try to remember. I know my little contribution here won't go far, but if everyone just gave a little, the world would be a much nicer place.

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  3. Good for you. Sadly this time of year can be especially hard for many people. Flighty xx

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    1. It can. There's lots of charities which help many people, especially at this time of year, but sadly, many people don't get the help they need. A very sad thought.

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    2. This is such a great idea and I'm sure all those people helped in Leeds will appreciate the gifts. Boston was caught up in the tidal flooding last week and it has been amazing the response from people who have donated food, cleaning goods and Christmas presents to help get the families back on track all of which will be gratefully received by the families of Boston.

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    3. It's amazing how communities pull together when the chips are down, it does restore faith in human nature when we see how we help each other in times of need.

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  4. 'Tis the season of giving.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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    1. It certainly is, and I have to say as much as I love to receive, I much prefer to give. I get so much pleasure out of thinking what to give to someone and seeing the look on their face when I've got it just right.

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  5. That's a lovely way of giving to the needy. I have made a quilt for Vision as part of their Xmas raffle for many years, but this year didn't get it done before we started moving etc. Will remedy it for next year by giving one to a charity in Ballarat. I'm with you on the giving rather than receiving. Take care.

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    1. There's so many different ways to give to charity and help those less fortunate than ourselves, making a quilt to raffle is a great idea, I bet they sell lots of tickets for that.

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  6. We usually give something to charity at work instead of sending christmas cards.Its a great idea Jo.

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    1. I used to do that when I worked, it's a great idea. There's even charities which take your Christmas cards in the new year, I usually pass mine on to them.

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  7. We think its important too especially for the kids to take part in the giving. For such a joyous season it can be hard on families.

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    1. It can, so it's important to remember those less fortunate and try to do something to help. It's good that the schools get involved so that kids can take part like you say.

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  8. It is so nice that your daughter's school are supporting this charitable effort. I hope that lots of things are collected to make christmas happier for lots of other people. I am sure that your donations will be much appreciated. xx

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    1. Eleanor said that there were lots of donations, so I'm really pleased about that. Hopefully, they'll help to make Christmas just a little bit easier for some people.

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  9. This is a very thoughtful gift. I am sure the recipients will appreciate it very much. I agree, thinking of others is very important, especially at this time of year.

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    1. It's so easy to get caught up and swept along with Christmas, but there's so many people who need a little help. I hope the donations they receive will help others less fortunate than myself.

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  10. That's a really lovely selection of Christmas treats which will go towards making this time of year a happy occasion for someone, it's really kind of you to think of others.
    Lisa x

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    1. I hope I've helped someone out, if only a tiny bit. It's horrible to think how bad some people's Christmas will be.

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