Thank you so much to everyone in your school community for their support this Christmas. It means so much and has made a big difference – enabling us to gift on bumper hampers to each of our 20 hostels/hubs and make up over 150 treat bags – all with the support of our busy volunteer elves!

On receiving one of the bags today with donated items an individual who is currently rough sleeping said: ‘“Thank you very much for this bag of goodies, also the Christmas present which I won’t open until Christmas Day. I haven’t had one of those in a long time”.

This Christmas Appeal is vital, and your support shows how much you care and this is felt by the people we support. Mealtimes bring people together – and your gifts help us do just that, especially at Christmas. From nutritious ingredients for home-cooked meals to easy-to-eat survival food, your donations will also allow us to feed more people over coming months, restore dignity, and improve well-being. We’re also able to continue to prepare welcome boxes filled with essentials like pasta and sauces for those moving into new homes as well as supporting personal hygiene.

Here at the Donations Hub, our volunteers have been working tirelessly to unpack and distribute your donations and we are so appreciative of their support too.

We provide food and refreshments year-round to those rough sleeping, in temporary accommodation, and living in our residential projects across West Sussex. We support over 1,000 people each year – and that number is growing. Rising costs are making life harder, and many are struggling just to stay nourished and well. So as a recognised supporting school your continued help is more important than ever.

Thank you for your kindness.

Moira Gardner – Turning Tides Donations Officer