General Chat

I have taken duvets to the local homeless shelter and today I am taking some thick winter coats that hubby and I don't need any more.. There but for the Grace of God......

Bet you had a glow in your heart Jean when you saw those lads. Here in Norwich I have heard from several charity shops where people have seen someone outside, gone in and bought a blanket for them and when they have gone, the homeless person has come in and asked for a refund saying they would rather have the cash. I found that rather upsetting. I have helped a chap I saw a couple of times, first time I had bought two cakes for the price of one in Iceland, so offered him one and he was very grateful. When I saw him again I went down to the Poundshop and bought him several packs of muesli bars, biscuits and things and handed over the bag. He was really chuffed and later when I saw him he gave me a wink, which made me smile. I don't know how these people bear the cold and damp, I couldn't do it.

Annie you can only but try, they may well be very glad of your help even if only for a few hours. good luck. Shirley Ann.

nudge

Sarah, isn't it amazing how good it makes you feel ? i know how i feel when i buy pressies for my centre. There is a lady on this board who has sent lots of presents to me for the residents at my centre, she has wrapped them up and taken a lot of care in doing so, her friends have also done the same, i am amazed at their kindness and my residents will be so pleased when they see all these presents under the tree on xmas eve, i am so excited for them. I am not a saint and don't want to paint myself as such, i am fortunate in the fact i work with the homeless and see it as it really is, so that is why i feel very strongly about their situations. There is such a stigma about people who are homeless, but beleive me these are ordanary people like you or i who have been forced into a situation through no fault of their own. I know there are a few who choose to live that way, but in truth very very few people choose to be homeless. Thank you so much Sarah for doing your bit, you will make someone very happy this xmas. Shirley Ann.

Hi Shirley Ann Just thought I'd let you know I now have a shopping list from my nearest shelter, and am going out tomorrow with the children to buy some pressies. It's totally amazing, just doing my bit for someone else has made me feel all Christmasy (is that a word??!). This is the first Christmas in ages that I don't feel jaded with the whole commercial fiasco. I definately have a feel good factor. Thank you Shirley Ann, you've put the magic back into Christmas for me. LOL Sarah XXX

nudge to remind us all

That buy three for the price of two is a great idea Pippa. every little thing people do helps someone. Shirley Ann.

nudge

I contacted the local shelter to find out what they wanted and they sent a lovely list of gifts to buy as they have plenty of food from harverst festival. However the Salavtion Army in Nottingham does not have any food as everyone sends it to Framework instead. They only have sleeping bags and duvets but they provide so much help for the homeless. My kids at the youth group sent their gifts at the beginning of December so they can be wrapped for christmas. Thinking about all the useless presents that you buy Grat Aunt Maud for the sake of buying something why not get one extra gift even it is a 3 for 2 offer.

nudge

Good for you Annie at least one poor soul will have somewhere to stay. Sarah, Im so glad the thread has brought the homeless plight to peoples attention, even if only one out of twenty get off their butts and do something its one more than there was yesterday and every little bit helps . Thank all of you that care, i am off to work now but will pop in later to check the thread. Shirley Ann.

Hello Shirley What a great thread you have started here. I have just sat and read all 4 pages. Some of the stories made me cry. It certainly made me think though. I am guilty of feeling 'Charitied out' this Christmas, every time I get the post there is another request for money. Reading this has made me realise I need to stop being so selfish and find my nearest shelter and see what I can do to help. I am sure my children would love to help me choose and wrap some presents for other children who are not as lucky as they are. Well done Shirley Ann for giving me a nudge in the right direction. Sarah XXX

so sad Annie. What is it coming to when they have no-where to rest their heads and how do the families live with themselves, problems or not. If they have the space why let them stay out especially with such awful weather. Regards to all who try to help in whatever way, even just reminding us on here. And it's a year round problem it won't disappear in the New Year. Linda

Nudged to remind us.

Linda, thats great and im sure you will make them very happy, good for you. Annie, it is so awful that these dreadful things are happening to these kids , and right under our noses, and the odd thing is not many people seem to notice, mainly they are too busy running their own lives to seeit. Sad old world isn't it. Well im off to work again ., will try to pop in later. Maisie ive not orgotten you, how could i you are a star. Shirley.

No problem I have ten boxes made up , 6 female and 4 male ready to go to the homeless when my friend returns from her holiday. Just hoping it helps to make Christmas better for at least one person this year Linda

Thank you Linda for keeping this up as a reminder. i am not about much over the next week as i am working most of the time. I have had some lovely gifts for my residents for xmas from some very lovely people off the board. i am putting the tree up this week and decorating the centre. i Will try to pop in later. Shirley Ann.

Just a reminder.

Val that box was really heavy, it must have cost a bomb. the postie wouldn't have been able to lift it if you had put anymore in it. lol. i have to pop out now and deliver two trays of sandwiches i have made for the cast of the panto at our local theatre. i don't care if i never see another sandwich again, lol. Shirley Ann.