Xmas Appeal: Be a Santa to a senior this Christmas
- Xmas appeal launched by Humanity Hallows
- Get involved by donating gifts and funds
No doubt you’re in the midst of your Christmas shopping, getting caught up in the crowds of consumers, admiring all the seasonal decorations and markets that spruce up the streets this time of year. Perhaps you’re looking forward to a break from studying, preparing to drink even more than your usual intake, and getting ready to go back home to be warmly welcomed by your family.
But spare a thought for the elderly at this time of year. For many elderly people in Manchester, Christmas can be a lonely, miserable occasion. However, you can make a big difference.
Humanity Hallows is embracing the Be a Santa to a Senior campaign and we want you to get involved in any way you can. ‘Be a Santa’ is a wonderful initiative that brightens up the lives of many elderly people in the local area, who would otherwise be left behind at Christmas.
The aim is simple. Humanity Hallows wants everyone to receive a gift and a card and wants everyone to feel appreciated, which is why it is encouraging your contribution. It doesn’t have to be much – even a small card or gift can make someone smile.
Make a cash donation: Humanity Hallows is crowdfunding and will be using all funds raised to buy special treats, cards and gift wrapping materials. You can donate £2 via our JustGiving page: Be a Santa to a Senior.
Donate a gift: here are some of the items they are looking for, small things that will bring a small sparkle of joy to an older person in our local community:
• Sweets
• Chocolates
• Biscuits
• Books
• Crossword and puzzle books
• Colouring books and craft materials
• Calendars
• Diaries
• Hats, gloves and scarves
• Pamper gift sets
• Festive cards
Anything you can spare is truly appreciated; you might be able to buy an item at the Union Shop with your Met card.
Manchester Met gift donation point: Room 2.12, Geoffrey Manton Building, M15 6LL
Cake and Card Sale: keep an eye out for afestive cake and card sale in the Geoffrey Manton Atrium on 7 December, 9am-12.30pm. RSVP via the Humanity Hallows Facebook and get in touch if you’re able to support the stall with your baking skills.
Christmas Crafternoon: you can also join a Christmas Crafternoon on 6 December at 1pm, where Humanity Hallows will decorate and wrap up all donated gifts, as well as writing and delivering as many Christmas cards as possible.
In an age of cardboard commercialism, rediscover the true meaning of Christmas – spare a thought, make a difference.
This article first appeared in Humanity Hallows.