While we start compiling a long shopping list preparing for the ‘perfect’ Christmas there are many in our community who simply can’t afford the basics, never mind the luxuries.
Annually, Oatlands Community Group facilitate a collection point for the Harrogate Homeless Project, Harrogate Food Bank and Local IDAS Refuge. To find out the date and venue of this year’s collection please visit our events page.
The Harrogate Homeless Project welcome gifts (unwrapped) of hats, scarves, gloves, underwear and toiletries to wrap and give to those taking refuge with them over Christmas and all organisations would greatly appreciate donations of non-perishable foods, any Christmas extras (that we possibly take for granted ) such as items like table crackers and advent calendars and everyday basics.
We also encourage local residents to take part in our ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’.
Each day during December, whilst opening a door on your advent calendar, pop an item (from the suggested list below) that you could donate into a box at home and then drop off the box on the first Saturday of January at TUKI Café. The items will be sorted by our volunteers and donated to help the homeless and needy at the beginning of the new year.
ITEMS NEEDED
CLEANING AND HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
Cleaning products- bleach, washing up liquid, floor cleaner, kitchen sprays and scourers/cloths etc
Hand wash and sanitiser, Washing powder, Toilet rolls
FOOD PRODUCTS
Tinned meats such as ham and corned beef, tinned tuna, hot dog sausages, tinned pies
Cooking oil and condiments like ketchup, mayo etc
Microwave rice and ready meals, pot noodles and cup a soups
Coffee and long life milk, diluting juices
Cereal and sugar
Tinned puddings, steamed, rice and custard, tinned fruit (not grapefruit)
UNWRAPPED GIFTS
Men’s deodorant, shaving foam, gift sets
Underwear!- men’s boxers/briefs, socks, ladies pants
Hats, scarves and gloves, particularly gloves
CHRISTMAS ITEMS
Table crackers, Christmas foods, advent calendars, little toys, cars, dolls, toiletries
