Gladdens the heart......!

That is true Christmas spirit - well done them.

A pub near us has done the same for a couple of years now.
It's wonderful to read about people showing the true spirt of Christmas.

The largest hotel in this town does the same

In our little town there are three places where people can go to get a free meal on Christmas Day, two are in church halls with entertainment, party bags and gifts laid on and the third is a local cafe run by a young couple from one of the churches who run it as a 'drop in' for people who just want a meal and a bit of quiet company.

And yes, these kindly acts do gladden the heart.

These stories are so uplifting

I don't think there is anything like that where I live.
It really is a lovely idea.

How lovely

Lovely idea. ??

Really good to hear.

There are such a lot of good selfless people in this world. Brings joy and hope to us all.

So sad that it's normally the bad things that get all the publicity.

How long after these generous stories hit the press before they have to close down because of the number of freeloaders who will see it as opportunity to eat for free.

Best keep information about them local and only circulated in places that those that can truly benefit from them can find out

I would rather see these generous open-hearted gestures than get exercised about the possibility of a minority of "freeloaders" - that seems a very cynical attitude to this act of goodwill.

No it is not cynical, I am all for them, but publicity always draws out life's cheats.

I just think those who do it need to be helped and supported and wide publicity undermines that.

Aww, this is all I keep thinking about, those poor homeless people who've really been highlighted all this week here on our news along with all those who have also died so very young. What we can't do is sit in judgement at how this sort of thing happened as each case is individual.

What a mess this country is in to allow this to happen !

There is a community meal every week and a big one on Christmas day. It's supported by Tesco and other supermarkets with almost out of date food and it's cooked by chefs who are not in paid work.
This year the local taxi is offering free rides to and fro.
Yes it is wonderful how much people want to help. However it's hard to attract people to attend, both those who could benefit from a hot meal and others who don't think they are the deserving poor!
For my part I enjoy the company, not having to cook, and I make a donation.

Yes its sad that acts of kindness and charity get so little publicity whilst all the bad stuff is constantly in the headlines.

The people who volunteer to help these poor souls deserve recognition as it's not everyone who would give up their time during the Christmas season. Good on them all.