A small group of volunteers have found a way they can help others, who are less fortunate this Christmas. They have opened up a shop in Nowra, as they have done other years. The shop only opens for the two or three weeks leading up to Christmas. The premises are donated for this short period of time rent free and the shop is staffed by volunteers.
In this short term shop which operates each year, the volunteers sell Fair Trade products from Asia, Africa and South America. They also sell books, cards, hot chocolate and coffee. 25 volunteer staff will be on hand from 10-4 each weekday along with late night shopping on Thursday night and 9-12pm on Saturday.
‘In 2006 the shop raised $2500,’ said Nancye Hamilton, one of the organizers. And what happened to that $2500? It went to Amnesty International.
Another way of helping is to support any of the charities who are crying out for donations of food and toys this Christmas. Every year organizations like the Salvation Army, Anglicare, and The Smith Family supply parcels of food and toys for those who cannot afford to make Christmas special for their families. This year Major Gary Craig from the Salvation Army is looking for donation of toys particularly for the 11 year and upwards age group.
People from the Salvation Army say that this year, increased mortgage repayments and interest rates has added to the list of those, like the unemployed, who are seeking help to provide for their families this Christmas.
Every year Anglicare hands out food parcels. They have also found that this year that demand has outstripped previous years, so perhaps as you go shopping this week you might spare a thought for those who are doing it tough this Christmas. Imagine the look on your children’s faces if there was nothing for them at Christmas and then maybe you will be prompted to pick up a couple of extra tins of non- perishable food or a gift to donate to these worthy causes or donate to one of the giving trees many of the stores have. Let’s show Christ’s love this Christmas.
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A heart filled with thankfulness