Can you spare more than a thought
FOR THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THIS CHRISTMAS ?
CHARITY
WE ALL KNOW CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR GIVING ; WE SPEND WEEKS - SOMETIMES EVEN MONTHS PLANNING THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY . IT ’ S A TIME THAT WE DEVOTE SO MUCH OF OUR ENERGY TO THAT IT CAN BECOME THE ONLY THING WE THINK ABOUT COME THE FESTIVE SEASON . AND IT IS INCREDIBLE THAT WE LOVE SPOILING OUR LOVED ONES WITH ALL THE LATEST TECH , TOYS AND FASHIONS , BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THAN OURSELVES ?
DANDELION TIME PORCHLIGHT
What about those who won ’ t have a warm bed to sleep in this Christmas , who won ’ t be enjoying a delicious turkey feast surrounded by family , and who may be struggling with internal battles that make it impossible to look forward to the big day ? Many of us are fortunate enough not to have to worry about these things , but there are people just outside our doorstep that are in desperate need of our generosity this Christmas .
There are so many ways to get involved in local , and wider reaching charities in the run up to Christmas . Of course the most obvious way to be charitable is by providing monetary support to a Kentish charity close to your heart . Just some of the incredible organisations dotted around Kent include Dandelion Time , a charity that supports children and families who have suffered trauma ; Porchlight , whose aim is to end homelessness in Kent , and children ’ s hospice care charity Demelza . Donating as little as £ 10 to any one of these charities this Christmas can ensure that these causes start 2022 off on a fabulous foot , with the support they deserve from their community .
If you like to take the unconventional route , why not do so by doing a little Christmas shopping at a charity shop that supports a local charity , such as Dandelion Time ’ s first ever charity shop that recently opened in Maidstone . Or visit the Catching Lives Bookshop in Canterbury to pick up a classic for that bookworm in your life and donate to a fantastic local cause in the process . With buying second hand such a big trend for those trying to reduce their carbon footprint this season , you can combine your charitable giving with a green Christmas for 2021 .
If charity shops aren ’ t quite your thing then why not donate items that charities are in desperate need of around the holiday period ? Treat the adorable pooches waiting for forever homes at local animal shelters such as Dogs Trust Canterbury by picking up some yummy food , toys or warm snuggly blankets to ensure that their tails will be wagging come Christmas Day . Another charitable endeavour that is always much appreciated is donating things such as hygiene and health products to local homeless shelters , along with essential clothing items such as underwear and warm socks . You can also always take advantage of the local food banks by donating canned goods that will mean everything to someone in need during the festive season .
If you are looking to give something a little different this festive season , perhaps the most underrated form of support for those groups struggling in the local community is a listening ear and a kind conversation . Many charities are always looking for an extra pair of hands , or an extra pair of ears to help out and provide support not only to clients of the charities , but to the full-time staff members too .
Now is the time to look after not just those you love but those struggling within our own communities , and with so many ways to do so there really is no excuse for not considering those that might be less fortunate than you this Christmas .
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