YULETIDE TREATS FOR THE HOMELESS
WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT
Since 2015, gift bags have been given out to the homeless thanks to the contributions and help of various friends, family and even people I've never met but have heard of the project I've been organising.
Some people buy new items, while others donate second hand goods in good condition. There are also generous people who like to send money and I use this to buy outstanding items, making sure to give them their receipts to show proof of purchases.
Also every year there are new people volunteering to help distribute the bags.
YEARLY INCREASE
Every year we aim to give out more bags in Surrey & London. This year we did the same amount of bags but added more content;
2015 - 15 bags
2016 - 20 bags
2017 - 30 bags including some distributed in Glasgow, Scotland
2018 - 32 bags
2019 - 42 bags including some distributed in Gloucestershire
2020 - 50 bags including some distributed in Cheltenham & Bristol
2021 - 50 bags including some distributed in Cheltenham & Bristol
2022 - 5 bags given out in London
WHY YULETIDE
As this is a passion project of mine, and I am a very proud Norwegian (!) I've decided to name this after the words 'Jul Tid' which means Christmas time in Norwegian.
WHAT'S IN THE GIFT BAGS
WHAT WE TRY TO INCLUDE IN EVERY GIFT BAG
Every bag is filled with the same amount of items, and aims to have a mix of things homeless people need such as warm clothing and food, as well as things they can enjoy.
Therefore, after having done lots of research we try to make sure the bags include a toiletries bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, body wash, 2 x books, reusable bottle and sandwiches, chocolates, crisps, snacks, £20 costa coffee card, £15 Starbucks voucher, ear plugs, feet & hand warmers, first aid kit, gloves, hat, scarves, socks, towel, hand sanitiser, face masks, hand wipes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, notebooks, pens, inflatable pillow, playing cards, rain poncho, umbrella and wind up torch, all within a festive waterproof laundry bag!
We also carry around dog food and treats for any canine friends we might meet!
Check out the donations page to see what items are being collected for the 2022 bags.