This Christmas, many people will be in difficult situations and linking with organisations across the diocese, we are sharing some positive ways you can make a difference in people’s lives.
GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers)
GARAS is supporting refugees and asylum seekers with internet access and equipment, as well as providing Christmas gifts.
Covid-19 has been hard for everyone. Its particularly hard for those who wait for decisions to be made on their lives here, who wait for interviews or court dates. And who, like many on the fringes of life, do not have the resources to get through this as easily as others. Things that many people can take for granted, such as having access to the internet, or a laptop.
Please do help GARAS with any donations you can.
Needed: Toys for younger children and gifts for older children (toys and gifts list);
Sponsorship for households to get internet access (around £32 per month);
Laptops or tablets with cameras, to enable clients to have online classes or therapy sessions;
Toiletry or chocolate gifts for adults.
How to deliver: Please drop donations off during office hours before 16 December to The Bishops’ Office, 2 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR.
Due to the current situation things will need to be delivered during office hours. It is recommended that you call the office first to ensure someone is there 01452 835511. On arrival please ring the bell at No 2 and Di or Claire will buzz you into the entrance hall where items can be swiftly dropped into a box which will be clearly labelled. Please then exit and close the door behind you.
For financial donations and sponsorship please visit www.garas.org.uk/what-can-you-do-to-help/financial-support
HMP Eastwood Park
This year HMP Eastwood Park are looking to give the prison a really festive feel over Christmas and are asking for little donations which can be given to the women as gifts and prizes.
Needed: Small items such as shower gels or soaps, sweets and chocolate or something similar. It is important that nothing contains alcohol or is wrapped in foil, and please avoid all sharp objects. It is also important that you don’t wrap anything as everything will need to be carefully checked.
How to deliver: Please drop donations off during office hours before 16 December to The Bishops’ Office, 2 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR.
Due to the current situation things will need to be delivered during office hours. It is recommended that you call the office first to ensure someone is there 01452 835511. On arrival please ring the bell at No 2 and Di or Claire will buzz you into the entrance hall where items can be swiftly dropped into a box which will be clearly labelled. Please then exit and close the door behind you.
The Long Table
Working with the Long Table, churches across the diocese are funding and delivering Christmas meals to people in their communities.
Worshipping communities from across the diocese have signed up to purchase special Christmas meals from the Long Table and then volunteers from the local churches are distributing them as gifts across their communities. There will be 2,000 meals going out from churches and nearly 2,000 meals going out through Stroud Foodbank.
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