Spirit of Christmas

Charitable activities are not just for Christmas. I will still be supporting the charities that I work with all year. The only thing that is a specifically Christmas activity is donating toys for local children's parties.

Agree with jayH. Will carry on as before. Plus, of course, a bob or two to Children in Need. And the Sally Army.

And I will support as many church Xmas fairs as I can. #cakejammincepiesyum

I'll kick off with some good news about our Children's Christmas POP UP Shop now in its 3rd year. It was inspired by the news that 26% of children in our Wee County were living in poverty, principally the children of low waged working parents. We accept donations of pre-loved, out grown or unwanted toys, books, clothes, gift sets, decorations etc and make them available in the shop on a 'pay what you can' basis so that parents and carers can have the joy and dignity of choosing gifts for their wee ones that are within their budget however little that may be. All monies collected in the sealed buckets are subsequently donated to the 2 local food-banks (£3,000+ so far).

This year our local council are leasing us some town centre former offices for 6 weeks on a rent free, pay the power bills and insurance basis. Our friendly across the road Hairdressers will again be Key Holders and I expect our local bakers and cafes will again hand in lunches for the volunteer 'shop assistants'. The local statutory and voluntary services will distribute flyers to their clients, the Men's shed will contribute wooden toys they have made, the knitting group will bring baby clothes and blankets. Our local not-for-profit Recycling firm has already collected, washed and disinfected 2 builders bags full of discarded toys (see picture) which one of our members described as the 'ultimate pop-up shop starter kit'.

This whole enterprise has snowballed from a reaction to a Social Work request to donate prewrapped i.e. unchecked, presents to be handed out to needy children, which we felt was so wrong in so many ways. Our way allows parents/carers to provide a happy Christmas by their own efforts as donators, helpers, shoppers.

Our church no longer takes pre-loved toys. It all has to be new. Toy Services just aint what they used to be. So, it is the Oxfam shop for the no longer wanted toys in our house.

Even the council's toy collection has to be a new purchase.

Yours sounds an excellent scheme.

I will support as I do throughout the year but I made a decision a few years ago not to celebrate Christmas, I attend Mass and Matins but I do not give gifts and sort of fast, sort of because I eat rice cakes , the money goes to the homeless charities, I cannot have a table laden with food whilst people are sleeping on pavements and going hungry , this is no great sacrifice , my choice and I am content with it , needless to say I spend the day alone

We choose a charity each Christmas and give a donation.Last year it was Crisis and this year it is Water Aid.

Anniebach what a kind person you are.

I am not coming round to yours on Christmas Day, sorry anniebach! I don't like rice cakes even in summer.

However, it is always good to add some seasonal fare to the donations to the food bank and know that someone somewhere will be able to enjoy some festive food while I'm enjoying mine. I know we can't put in fresh food, but there is lots on the shelves to choose from.

An extra boost to the normal charity too.
The DC used to like making up shoe boxes to send off to other It's Children in Need this week too.

I still have the £1 in my pocket, sorry anniebach when I see a Salvation Army person I will give it to them. But I haven't been out much.

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The DC used to like making up shoe boxes to send off to other children overseas through their school; do they still do that in schools?

I suppose it's like that saying:

A charity is for all year round, not just for Christmas

Granny23 what a brilliant scheme!

And I was going to invite you Jamila ,

Anniebach What a special lady you are!

Please no, I am selfish, I cause my children and siblings upset , and I don't have all those dishes to wash

annie I am in awe!

Smyths has just e-mailed, they are open to 2300 every day over Christmas.

The spirit of Christmas

I will curl up on the sofa with my dogs, watch 'Ballykisssngel' and 'Long Walk To Freedom, and think of you all tackling the dishes . Told you I was selfish .

Please give something to the Salvation Army, they will feed so many homeless , do soup runs , serve up hot meals . These are the truly good people

The Salvation Army is our chosen charity, they are wonderful.
Can't you at least have cheese on toast and soup for lunch Ab ( I would, given half a chance.)

Salvation Army my choice too. They do such good work.

Granny23 sounds a fantastic set up, hope all goes well.

What is Smyths?

Your guess is as good as mine DaphneB