Determined to deliver festive cheer
those in need despite lockdown measures.
With the festive season approaching, Cheltenham Open Door has launched its annual Christmas appeal.
Unfortunately, current Government guidelines mean that the yearly Christmas shelter will not be going ahead, but the charity is determined to bring Christmas cheer to all of its guests.
This year, there will be Christmas Eve food, treats and stockings available for guests to collect.
And on the special day itself, lunch with all the trimmings, high tea and gifts will be provided, so that guests can enjoy their day after a tough year.
In March, government guidelines made it impossible for Cheltenham Open Door to welcome guests through its doors on Grosvenor Street. But the charity was still keen to make sure the vulnerable people they support stayed well, by delivering food parcels.
When restrictions started to ease in mid-june, staff started serving hot takeaway meals.
The charity’s core team of just three permanent staff members took on the additional task of delivering food parcels to more than 50 people experiencing homelessness in Gloucestershire who were being temporarily housed. The usual contents had been adapted for those who had access to a kettle and a fridge.
In the first eight difficult weeks of lockdown alone, 2,250 packs of instant noodles and soups, 757 loaves of bread, jars of jam and peanut butter, 14,400 butter portions and 1,128 pieces of fresh fruit were delivered, as well as food items, toiletries, books and treats.
At the moment, the team are serving around 190 meals per week, which they advertise to their guests on their enticingly bright menu boards.
Julie Kent, chair of Open Door Cheltenham, has said she is very proud of how the staff have put themselves on the front line for the vulnerable people they support.
“The organisation has been a lifesaver for nearly 30 years, but 2020 has proved to be a particular challenge.” Julie said.
“People can help us with our Christmas campaign by donating gift items and food parcel fillers.
“We also need volunteers for our post-christmas ‘Big Sort,’ when the influx of donations is organised for the year ahead.
“We’re a small charity so the goodwill of every single supporter - from individuals who drop by with food items and those who volunteer their time to our local corporate donors - increases our power to help others over the festive period and throughout the year.”
If you want to help Cheltenham Open Door this Christmas, find out how you can lend a hand here. Telephone: 01242 577418 https://cheltenhamopendoor.org. uk/christmas-support/