Charity appeal to help needy at Christmas

Surviving Christmas is in its 26th year and said the need for its services across Bexhill and the rest of 1066 Country is increasing more than ever.

Judie Wycherley, the charity’s chairman, said: “Christmas is the worst time of the year for homeless, lonely and disadvantaged people. We aim to offer help and hospitality to those most in need over Christmas.

“We realise that it is difficult to launch an appeal in a time of recession.

“However, the people who are hardest hit are those who are on a low income, for whatever reason, and they may also have higher costs, for example heating, because they are very young, very old, or disabled.

“Some of them may also be homeless. These are the vulnerable members of our community who Surviving Christmas aims to help.”

Last year the charity helped 5,000 people across Bexhill and Hastings, including 1,300 families and 500 elderly people in addition to those attending the three-day open Christmas event, where those in need are treated to a hot meal and friendship.

This year Surviving Christmas will be packing more than 600 hampers, which will be distributed to elderly and house-bound residents in the last week before Christmas.

The charity said requests for help are already coming in and is appealing for the public’s support.

Judie added: “To equal the help given at Christmas 2009 we need to raise £35,000, of which £24,000 went to families and young people in need.

“We also rely on donations of non-perishable food (use by date to be after January 31, 2011), toiletries and small gifts for elderly people to go in our hampers.

“These may be delivered to the YMCA Sports Centre in St Paul’s Road, Hastings, from Monday December 20.”

• If anyone can help, call 01424 424550.