New Year is a time for reflection and resolution and at Home-Start Wellingborough and District that is exactly what January 2017 means.
Our Christmas stared in early November as we helped Santa by putting together the names of children who we felt really deserved to be on his list. The town’s ‘Giving Tree’ has become an integral part of Christmas in Wellingborough, with many people buying an additional gift to place under the tree. Toiletries were received from several churches, while local firms encouraged employees to donate essential items for babies and infants.
Over 100 children and parents shared in our Christmas Dinner. The success of this event was, in a large part, due to the great support we receive from Home-Start volunteers living in some of our local villages including Ringstead, Isham and Wollaston.
The butcher in Earls Barton donated the turkey and rumour has it that Santa can also be found there strolling round the village ‘incognito’ during the year. Our charity is not just for Christmas and throughout 2016 our volunteers provided regular invaluable support to over 200 vulnerable children and their parents.
Reflections over - now for the future… Home-Start has made the New Year’s resolution to continue do all that we can to help families and children. This is not going easy as we have been hit by severe funding cuts and, in order to prevent closure, we have to take a new approach to securing funds.
Through our ‘Changing Futures’ Campaign we are seeking the support of local people through regular giving. By signing up to give just £3 a month together we can ensure that fragile families get the help and support they need. What a difference the price of a cup of coffee or a monthly magazine could make to a vulnerable child!
It is not too late for any of us to make a meaningful New Year’s resolution and hopefully, this time next year, I will be able to reflect upon the futures we have changed through the resolve of local people.
In the meantime, many thanks to all readers who have supported us during 2016 and warmest wishes for 2017.
Information about our charity can be found on our website: www.homestartwellingborough.org.uk, by phoning 01933 272749 or on our facebook page.
Janet Gwilliam Sanders Scheme Manager Home-Start Wellingborough & District
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