A REQUEST

There are so many charities competing for the ever-diminishing money in our pockets these days, and it is hard to decide which to chose since every one of them is worthy, and each one equally heart-rending. I am afraid that once again I must add my voice to the throng and ask you, please, to send whatever you can to “Crisis at Christmas”.

 For the homeless Christmas is a dreadful time, shops where they could normally purchase a hot drink or some food can be closed for days at this time of the year. Trains do not run and many of the places where the rough sleepers can feel safer are also closed for the holiday. Young and old alike find themselves homeless. It would be fair to say that most of us are only a couple of pay-cheques away from losing our comfortable lives. There but for the grace of God, and all that.

Crisis at Christmas does not only offer a warm bed for a night and a hot meal, this wonderful organisation, manned by Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Social Workers and dozens of ordinary people all of who give their time free of charge. From these kind angels the homeless receive much needed medical attention, hot baths, warm clean clothes and hot meals and a warm bed for a whole week. They can receive counselling and there is free advice on hand to help them find permanent accommodation and work. For the young homeless this is a vital lifeline, even a lifesaver! For the elderly it is a gift of warmth and kindness in a world that does not seem to care. It is at the very least a chance to have a few days of feeling safe.

I know that money is scarce, being disabled myself and also the carer of my disabled husband money is not plentiful and with heating costs as they are winter can be hard for us. Yet even if we have to turn down the thermostat a little and put on a sweater at least we ave a roof over our heads, food to eat and companionship at this festive time. You need not pay for a whole place if you cannot afford it, even the smallest amount contributes a little comfort to someone for whom even warmth is a luxury. What is one box of chocolates more or less - you won't miss them - and the good that will be done with your chocolate money could last a homeless person a lifetime. If you are able to give please send whatever you can to http://www.crisis.org.uk/pages/christmas.html.

Thank you.