This year's Christmas

This is my fifth year of what started as a very small idea with a handful of guests. People say "aren't you going to put your feet up this year and give it a miss?" I put my hand on my heart and think how could I possibly do that when we had nearly a hundred guests last year. We are a small strong team of volunteers from all walks of life and with one common interest and that is to make a difference.

All the people that have supported and volunteered to make this project what it is today have created a community that is reaching out and grabbing people that you and I never see. I have hosted the Emsworth Community Christmas on Christmas day for people who would have necessarily been on their own at Christmas. This year the event is even bigger and the demand is even greater. Last year we happily hosted people for a really sociable Christmas day. No one should feel as though they have no one to spend Christmas with, it is a time of togetherness and joy. We are able to reach out to the vulnerable and isolated and give them a day to be remembered. A day rich in warm conversation, music, delightful food, presents and of course much love and laughter.

How we see our project

There are times in young and older people's lives when life becomes difficult and times like Christmas are a challenge. I am passionate about creating a day where people can be nourished, loved and be in an environment that is safe. This is a free event for individuals in our community and supported by our community. Days like these make lasting differences in people's lives. Friendships are formed and words are shared that enable people to feel at ease and free of isolation just for a day.

What we need

From now until the Christmas day event, money raised will be spent on employing catering staff, cleaning staff and a huge amount of fresh produce. We will need Christmas decorations and the tables need festive decorations and tableware. There are many extras that the day could be enhanced with. Every guest goes home with a wonderful hand painted box of gifts created by children at a local nursery school and handed out by Santa. Every year we have a incredible free raffle that is hard to beat.

However much you can donate this event is a truly nourishing. It is a heartfelt day of people being in the arms of togetherness and gratitude.