Real Christmas Spirit

My GS's scout/cub group have opened up a drop in centre and a soup kitchen in the local church hall.
All homeless people and/or people with no family to go to will be going for companionship and a decent meal.
Everyone associated with scouts will be taking in mince pies, cakes, and fresh fruit as well as cheeses and pies.
The group has managed to provide hot dinners for the next three days, including, tomorrow, a traditional turkey meal.
All helpers are on a rota basis, and it is always so very much appreciated by the guests.
The true spirit of the season is alive and kicking in my town.

skwawkbox.org/2017/12/24/in-the-bleak-midwinter-the-harsh-realities-of-a-grenfell-xmas/

And yet dj the real spirit of Christmas is here too:
www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/news/romford-relief-worker-delivers-christmas-gifts-to-grenfell-fire-families-1-5330816

www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/volunteers-wrap-dozens-of-gifts-for-children-affected-by-grenfell-a3725421.html

There are homeless and bereaved all around the country

Yes Annie it's the sad truth that there are, but I am genuinely heartened by the goodwill that is so evident at this time of the year. I do sometimes wish that it could last longer than it does, but I'm happy that people are motivated to do good.

I agree grannyactivist, all around the country, in towns and villages people are reaching out to the vunerable , as you said - the true spirit of Christmas

In the church of St John Evangelist up the road under the ??are gifts. Socks, toothpaste and toothbrushes for the homeless, to be distributed at Westminster Cathedral. So little can mean so much.

And there is lots of goodwill here on GN.

There is a difference between being homeless and being roofless.

I have been organising Christmas time events for many years and given up this year, I was so disappointed last year whenm 250 given a free slap up meal and presents were less than grateful. Several complaints were made about 'underdone carrots' and presents were returned as 'not what they wanted', there were far too many helpers vying for space and booking to 'do it again' as it is on a par with a panto to make them feel good.

Charities are proliferating problems, it is a sad truth.

I still do bit of helping when I can but gone for me, are the times when I think doing something at Christmas helps anyone but the helpers.

The real Christmas spirit has to be there all year round or it isn't real at all.

Sorry but unfair and unkind to those who give support over Christmas . And criticism of charities ? Take those who visit the house bound every week throughout the year they are not needed. Those who train dogs for the blind. Mind who give much support for those with mental health problems. The cinnamon trust who walk dogs for the elderly. Shelter who give advise to those with housing problems .

So you didn't get the gratitude you thought you deserved? Tough, helping people with a need for gratitude isn't helping people it is a selfish need .

Anniebach
In defence of Radicalnans post, I understand and agree with what she's saying. It's almost become a virtual signalling at xmas to volunteer.
I've volunteered with many people that I never see again when they realise the realities of working with the homeless and people with mental health issues.

Sorry Petra but I thought it unkind. Most of all the complaint of lack of gratitude . Being on the receiving end of good deeds day in and out has an effect .

I worked over many Christmases and throughout the year. Christmas was hard work and help was needed, I didn't care if it was a case of virtual signalling, I could not have prepared all that veg on my own .

I had Christmas lunch at an event run by the Food Bank. They catered for 400 people who had nowhere else to go. There were several other similar events that I know about.

That's breathtaking Mary 400 people with nowhere to go?
What happens to them on every other day of the year?
I am genuinely amazed at such a figure.

Radnan - would you rather they kept unwanted gifts and expressed fake delight? Just like we do in real life!
Some of us undercook the veg for family meals too - it happens. Do want the guests to lie that it was all perfect?!
Lighten up - it’s Christmas!!

Hipsy: That doesn't mean homeless, although some were. Most are people like me who have somewhere to live but would otherwise be sitting at home alone. This was just one of several such events in Oxford, although probably the largest.

The reality is that those of us able to give of our time and other support such as hard cold cash, should do so year round. However, if there is a Christmas bell that rings for so many to give, then give. Many gifts extend into the year.

And, since I am here, let me ask you all to consider what I find a very unrepresented volunteer segment; the elderly especially those of low income. I don't think I am being petty when I see all the glossy advertising for the big "diseases" and for children, pets (too much), international care etc etc. Ask yourself when you saw any campaign aimed at helping the elderly.

Low income elderly women have been over the last 20 years a significantly growing number in society. Divorce in part has lead to additional impoverishment of this segment as well as the increase in length of life.

As one, who volunteers to serves the elderly, I ask you all to consider what you can do. Aging is the one things we all hope to share. We for the most part do not know if we will have the means to support ourselves as the future is not clear. None of the low income elderly I know ever imagined themselves needing support. They worked and contributed.

This new year, add to your resolutions to help. All year round.

NanaNancy, I came to this site through AgeUK.

Here's a way that those in power can help the homeless.

www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/30/a-fraction-of-persimmon-bosss-110m-bonus-could-house-all-homeless-of-york

Give up their bonuses, or even just part of it.... I wait with bated breath for a positive response from the chief executive.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/29/council-apologises-as-grenfell-households-miss-out-on-extra-cash

I bet nobody involved in handing out the money went short over Christmas.
It's time Kensington and Chelsea started being proactive.