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Thanks for taking the time to read this.
On the run up to Christmas this year I decided to try and raise some funds for an extremely worthwhile charity – Step by Step. Based in Aldershot they help young homeless people – not just by providing them a bed for the night but by providing them the platform to turn their lives around through training and support as well as accommodation. They can gain the skills they need to find employment and independence so they can move on and create their own home in the future.
Now I’ve never been homeless and I imagine it is extremely tough and lonely at the best of times so it must be considerably worse around Christmas. Step by Step run an annual appeal so people can donate gifts for the young people currently staying with them, many of whom don’t have any contact with their friends or family.
Please donate some money or a gift (New items only - suggestions listed below) and spread some Christmas cheer!
I will be donating myself of course and I will happily wrap and deliver anything else donated.
If you would like to donate cash or gifts I am more than happy to come and collect from you if you email me and let me know: robinsankey ( at ) Hotmail ( dot ) com
Any money donated will be converted to useful items and delivered to Step by Step.
I know money can be tight around Christmas but even the smallest donation soon adds up so even if it’s the cost of a drink in pub or a latte from Starbucks please make a donation and we can all make a difference to someone’s Christmas.
Much love xx
Below are some suggested gift ideas:
GENERAL FOR BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 16 - 25
High Street Store Gift Vouchers (preferably shops local to the Aldershot /Farnborough area, eg WH Smith/Boots/ Argos/ Marks & Spencer/New Look/Next
Cineworld Gift Vouchers
Clothing – sizes clearly marked
Dressing Gowns - sizes clearly marked
Scarves / Gloves / Socks / Hats
Alarm Clocks
Diaries / Notebooks
Toiletries
FOR GIRLS FOR BOYS
Make Up Electric Shavers (hair/beard)
Perfume After Shave
Hair Brushes Hair Care, eg gel, putty, wax
Tights
Hair Dryers
Straightener’s
ITEMS SUITABLE FOR THE SERVICES
Christmas Crackers
DVD’s
Chocolates
Biscuits
Cakes
Board Games
Wrapping Paper
Xbox 360 Games – Client social activities
Art Equipment (new) – Training services
Also, any help with wrapping presents coming up to Christmas would be most welcome. Please contact Sheldon McMullan on 01252 346109 to discuss.
Here is some introductory info on Step by Step:
Welcome to Step by Step
Step by Step, previously known as Emmaus Projects, was founded in 1992 with the objective of empowering young homeless and those facing adversity across Surrey, Hampshire and the surrounding area.
We offer free drop-in support and advice service for young people, together with a structured, progressive accommodation service including access to emergency shelter accommodation with support available 24/7 for those with a high level of needs.
Single rooms and semi-independent flats are offered within our Foyer buildings together with supported community flats throughout the locality.
We also offer one-to-one support, training to build skills and confidence towards independent living, an Education and Employment training programme, counselling services and a Family Mediation service aimed at reducing the number of young people who become homeless, by focusing on relationships and communication.
Step by Step empowers homeless young people and those facing adversity to achieve their full potential through all of these services.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.