General Chat

Val, i would like everyone to know what a lovely kind lady you are, Val mailed me to ask for my address so she could send a gift to the homeless centre, What a lovely thoughtful person she is. Thank you Val. Also 2 friends of Maisie, have also donated gifts, I can't thank these lovely ladies enough. A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL. Shirley Ann. And thank you too Purple P for the nudges.

Nudged! Because it needs to be XX

About 12 yrs ago my sister read an advert in her local paper,it was asking if anyone could help with xmas presents for childrens homes/centres. My sister contacted them and she was asked to try and gather 50 presents, they would give a first name and age - so off she went and spoke to local stores, the bank and friends. A few years later she was gathering presents for 1500 children. Every year she gets asked by the stores,people in the street - when will you have the childrens names for christmas. This year she's only been given 89 names, and they are in her area(in the past it has been all over Wales!) - this is because the council and social services cannot afford(???!!!) to supply vehicles to collect the presents from her house and then onto the children. One man and his daughter have done most of the collections, bless em, which can sometimes mean going to my sisters house for 3 pickups. Her house and 2 neighbours have in the past been full of black sacks FULL of pressies. This year she has approx 400 people wanting to donate pressies but only 89 names - so those children will be getting more than one pressie this year. This is such a shame cause so many people have been asking her, so many people are sooooo willing to donate. They love it every year going round the stores finding pressies. One year Woolworths kept the store open especially for the staff to buy there presents. The local bank staff saved so much a month and had a whale of a time come end Nov. You also get the other end of the spectrum - SOME people were putting very UNSUITABLE things in as presents, so when the council or centre's received them they had to be unwrapped and rewrapped before the children could have them.!!! So many children won't be getting anything this year, so sad. jude sarf wales

Jude , what a wonderful community your sister lives in. its a pity there weren't a few more like them. i think it is wonderful. Shirley Ann.

Shirley, that is such a wonderful thing to do, if i had the extra cash i would love to do something like that unfortunatly i havnt, my thoughts are with them all though especially the children, it brings a tear to your eye when you see things like that on the TV. Kaz xx PS: you have a heart of gold hun!!!! xxx

Ann, that is so true, its strange to think that we always assume its men who become homeless.It happens to both sexs and all ages. It was a lovely thing you did Ann. Kas, thank you . Shirley Ann.

Shirley Ann - keep up the good work, you obviously have a big heart:o)))) jude sarf wales x

Thank you Jude, there is so much more i would like to do. Shirley Ann.

I was talking to a friend who works with homeless people last night and she pointed out a few car parks where people are living --- I really feel so upset that these people have nowhere warm or dry to be at this time of the year. And yes it is a myth that they choose to live on the streets, most wouldn't. Will try to make up at least 10 boxes to give to her for those with so little at christmas. Been shopping and already getting things to put in. I will be thinking of them all but not only at Christmas. Regards to all those of you helping even in the smallest way. By the way it's best to give foood or a warm drink to somebody homeless, money doesn't always go where you'd want it to. Regards Linda

Good for you Linda, and you are right not all the homeless choose to be homeless. Imagine what it is like for them in this weather, im in my house ,heating full on sipping hot tea and i still feel cold, it must be dreadful for them. It is a lovely thing you are doing Linda, and i thank you for being so kind to people less fortunate than ourselves, i bet it is giving you a lot of pleasure too. Shirley Ann.

Nudged because i want to.

Yes, so let us not forget those who are alone and less fortunate than ourselves. Shirley Ann.

I would like to thank the people who offered to send me money to buy presents for the people in my centre, it was a lovely thought and i am really sorry i couldn't except your offer but i felt it wouldn't be right to except gifts of money, i do hope none of you were upset by this. Thank you all so much for being so thoughtful. Shirley Ann.

hi Shirley Ann, could people maybe send a gift direct to the shelter? just a thought. Roxanne

job done twinny,do you know where my local place is please,xxxxxxxxxme

Roxanne, yes you could, but its better they are sent to my address simply because i am home when postie arrive in the mornings. If you have a centre near you ,you could always take your gift there, i am sure they would be delighted. Joy, try your local council they will tell you if you have a homeless centre in your area, not everywhere do. you are all so kind. thank you. Shirley Ann.

I am cold, so i will turn the heating up, i am peckish so i will go and make a sandwhich, when i am tired i will snuggle up in my warm bed, They are cold, they have to stay cold, they are hungry, but have no food, they are tired so they curl up on the pavement with a bit of luck they will have a bit of cardboard, or even a blanket, but they will still be cold. lets hope tomorrow they are still alive. THEY are the homeless, spare a thought,

Shirley I was homeless myself once, very briefly, but I have never forgotten the awful awful feeling of being outside the human race. I buy an extra sandwich and a cup of coffee on days when I'm working - I can always find someone to give it to. Its not just Christmas that these people need help. Hope this thread has spurred a few on to help in whatever small way. Believe me, I never thought it could happen to me, but it did. Olde Crone

My point exactly . and you worded it right,Outside the human race just about sums it up. How sad. And like you said every little thing helps in some small way. Glad things turned out well for you. Shirley Ann.

I had a big box of childrens clothes delivered to me by the postman today, it was from a very thoughtful lady from this board, I would like to thank you so very much Val, they will be put to good use. the mums at the centre will be so grateful. Shirley Ann.