Peace and Goodwill to all

[initial]

This is the time of year when traditionally families get together. I bet you're like me, and have stocked up your groaning cupboards with enough food to feed the five thousand! A short while ago, an excellent post on Food Banks was posted healthunlocked.com/blf/post... . Please, no matter how ill you are, no matter how much you are struggling financially, please remember those who are worse off than yourself. That extra own brand tin of rice you bought 'just in case', or that cheapo tin of beans sitting forlornly at the back of your cupboard could make all the difference to those who are starving!

I don't want to get into a political debate about this, that was done a week ago in the Houses of Parliament! I just want to raise your awareness that not all people who have to use the services of Food Banks are scroungers, living on benefits, a lot of them are trapped in poverty due to low wages and rising costs of basics. Also, a lot of people are being taken off benefits, such as those poor souls deemed fit for work by ATOS, and then get sanctioned because they are unable to look for work due to failing health.

It's Christmas, enjoy your time with your families, but please, spare a thought, and possibly even some of your food, with those less well off.

Merry Christmas x

[scrobbitty]

100% with you on this one, Initial. The Trussel Trust is one charitable organisation I will support wholeheartedly. At least you know the donations go to those who need them. xx

[initial in reply to scrobbitty]

Thank you Scrobbs Merry Christmas to you and your family, including KKK x

[Jambo]

A very worthy post initial,at this time of year it's sometimes easy to forget the folks that are struggling through no fault of their own.if we could help,we should.and you never know what a difference it could make.a merry Xmas to you.

Jambo xx

[initial in reply to Jambo]

Thank you Jambo. I always think 'there but for the grace of God' that could be me. Merry Christmas Jambo, to you and your family x

[libby7827]

I do my shopping online these days, but don't supermarkets have areas where you can contribute a few items? I would have no problem requesting certain items from my shop are put into the collections, but can't see the supermarkets going to the trouble? Might ask the driver next time if anything can be done, why not a box on the van for contributions? x

[initial in reply to libby7827]

I know Tesco's do collections in-store, but what an excellent idea Merry Christmas Libby to you and your family x

[Hidden]

A caring post asking that we do what our morals dictate sharing food or the information where support can be found with our own communities a message that follows the true spirit of the season crossing religious, political and social boundaries.

100% support a worthy cause

[initial in reply to Hidden]

Thank you millstone for your thoughtful comments Merry Christmas to you and your family x

[pollyjj]

What a great post and a reminder to a lot of us on here how well off we were I googled the Trussell Trust just yesterday to find my nearest food bank and found it is not too far away, I am unable to get there until later in the week but will certainly be routing throug h my cupboards I know I have lot of duplicate tins in there. Thank you for the reminder. I think that is a brilliant idea from re Tesco deliveries.

polly xx

[initial in reply to pollyjj]

Thank you Polly, I'm sure your donation will be very welcome Merry Christmas to you and your family x

[initial]

Thank you Bev, and Merry Christmas to you and your family x

[Suzy6]

Said with feeling initial. I know where my local food bank is and do that. Some people on low wages really struggle along with many others. It must be dreadful to have a family to feed and don't know where the money to buy food is coming from or won't last the week.

[initial in reply to Suzy6]

Thank you Suzy, I can't imagine what people are struggling through. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas x