Society helping to make sure homeless have magical and memorable Christmas
Christmas can be a difficult time says James of homeless charity
THROUGHOUT the first half of December, Earl Shilton Building Society (esbs) is urging people from across the community to donate gifts to the 70 men and women who live in the shared hostels overseen by Action Homeless, its ongoing charity partner.
Based in Leicester, Action Homeless is a non-profit organisation that devotes its time and efforts to enhancing the lives of those who are affected by homelessness, and has offered its support to individuals and families in the city and all over the county for the past 40 years.
Visitors to any of Action Homeless centres are given access to a broad range of services that aim to tackle the causes and consequences of their homelessness, while the expert team of staff and volunteers works to ensure that people leave with a place to call home and the skills and resources to maintain independence.
The charity’s Christmas wish list of items, which it is calling on people to donate, features non-perishable foods such as pasta, rice and noodles, and fresh produce like meat, fruit and vegetables.
It is also asking for festive treats including chocolate, biscuits and sweets, as well as turkey, stuffing, sprouts, parsnips, carrots, potatoes and all the trimmings to help provide a magical and memorable Christmas dinner for its service users.
Donations can be made via the drop-off points at either esbs’ Head Office in Earl Shilton or its Barwell branch between now and Thursday 19th December.
The charity is unable to accept contributions that contain alcohol, while a delivery time for fresh food must be arranged in advance.
James Riviere from Action Homeless said: “Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many people and we want to make sure everyone that is staying with us has something to open on Christmas day.
“The support of the staff and customers of esbs will make a real difference and help us to create this Christmas”
Paul Tilley, Chief Executive of esbs, said: “We are proud to be continuing our support for Action Homeless by participating in its Winter Appeal.
“As our society was originally founded with the objective of providing homes, we are deeply upset about homelessness throughout Leicestershire – and this is especially tragic at this time of year.
“I would urge people to donate any of the requested items that they are able to as these really will make a huge difference to many, less fortunate families this Christmas.”
Copies of the full wish list are available to view in either of esbs’ branches. To find out more about Action Homeless, visit actionhomeless.org.uk/