Deck The Hall!
Christmas Day celebrations for all at the Salvation Army Hall, Hastings
“Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.” — Dr. Seuss
The festive season isn’t always a time of good tidings and joy. For many it can be a lonely and daunting experience. While some worry about Father Christmas’s finances, fighting in-laws and frozen turkeys, others are concerned about having no family at all, on the day best known for sharing with loved ones.
CREDIT: Matt Collamer/unsplash.com
The charity Surviving Christmas aims to rectify this. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day the Salvation Army Hall in Hastings will open its doors to provide food, warmth and most importantly company to all local residents – temporary or otherwise – in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Anyone can drop in between 10am and 4pm on both days without invitation. Guests will be met by volunteers offering a hot meal and festive entertainment, and the chance to share that day with others.
The charity is also running its successful hamper project again this year and is looking for donations. Last year 700 hampers were delivered to those identified as being in particular need, and the number is expected to rise significantly this year. Money and food items will be gratefully received and can be left at the Salvation Army Hall, St Andrew Square from the week beginning
12 December.
A full list of food items is available on the website, but tins, jars, pastas, cereals and biscuits are always appreciated, as are Christmas selection boxes and any little luxuries that can make the day that little bit more special.
The charity is also holding a Santa’s Grotto, so any donations of brand new toys will be put to great use by the youngest community members. These gifts can also be left from 12 December.
Instead of holding a second-hand clothing store over Christmas, the charity will be working with Warming Up the Homeless and is looking specifically for donations of warm socks, gloves and underwear too.
• More information is available on survivingchristmas.co.uk, please ring before leaving donations on 07802 451940. Monetary donations can also be made on the website or sent by cheque or transfer to:
Santander 09-01-28 A/C no. 95875221 Surviving Christmas – please put name as reference for acknowledgement and tick for Gift Aid if eligible.
Surviving Christmas, HVA Jackson Hall, Portland Place, Hastings,
Let’s make sure that the Christmas spirit reaches everyone in the community this year.
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