As the temperature drops and the dark nights draw in, many of us will appreciate how fortunate we are to be in our warm homes and it is sobering to think of those who find themselves struggling to find accommodation and even finding themselves having to sleep rough.
It is good to be part of a team who are supporting Nightwatch – with supplies of sandwiches – and the Somewhere Safe to Stay Hub at Croydon University Hospital – with prepared meals ready to pop into the microwave. It feels such a small thing to be doing - but it does make a difference so huge thanks to all involved in managing the rotas and preparing all the food.
On a similar subject, residents may be interested in supporting the following two Christmas appeals being publicised by Croydon Churches: I know that all involved will be very grateful indeed.
Christmas food appeals
As Christmas approaches many Croydon food banks and food stops are appealing for food or funds to provide food hampers or Aldi voucher for their clients.
Purley Food Hub is run by Churches Together in Purley & Kenley (CTPK)
This year they will be giving Aldi supermarket vouchers to local needy families to enable them to buy the ingredients for a Christmas meal. Vouchers cannot be used for alcohol, lottery tickets or cigarettes.
They are looking to raise £7,500 and inviting donations online (please specify “Christmas Projects” in the reference box) - https://account.stewardship.org.uk/donation/oneoff/20333146
or by cheque made payable to Purley Food Hub (“Christmas Projects” on the reverse) and sent to Joanna Walker, Treasurer, Purley Food Hub, c/o Purley Baptist Church, Banstead Road, Purley CR8 3EA.
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Old Lodge Lane Baptist Church Food Stop is raising £5,000 to fund 100 'all you need for Christmas dinner' hampers and additional Christmas food. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/foodstopchristmashampers
Food Stop is a 'social supermarket' . It offers around £20 worth of fresh, chilled, frozen and tinned food every week to those who are finding things hard at the moment for a weekly membership fee of £3.50.
Last year we provided 50 'all you need for Christmas dinner' hampers. This year, we need to double that.
Things are getting harder for people who are already finding things hard, we want to make sure that 100 families don't have to worry about providing a traditional Christmas dinner for their family.
