Christmas is not the only time of year where it is necessary to help those who need it most, however, it is also a time where empathy for others must be present.
This wave of love, affection, exchange of memories and family moments is, for many people, a complicated time where difficulties increase.
Today we bring you some suggestions on how you can help those who need it most in a simple way and make a difference to someone's Christmas (and the rest of the year too!).
It is inevitable to associate Christmas with children and the fascination they have with simple gestures. By donating non-perishable food, clothes and toys, it is possible to give them back the childhood that sometimes escapes them and forces them to grow up very quickly.
Refood , the Food Bank and SOS Children's Village are just a few examples of NGOs - Non-Governmental Organizations - that can be your intermediary in helping those who need it most.
Although the intention is to always count more than the material goods that are donated, you must bear in mind the following when it comes to these same donations:
- Make sure puzzles and board games always have all the pieces;
- The items of clothing have working zippers or possible fixing;
- Food items must be non-perishable so that they last longer.
Currently, according to data from Jornal Expresso , there are more than 10 thousand homeless people in Portugal. This is reflected in growth of 78% in the last four years (in:Expresso, Oct 2023) . The right to housing is not being reflected in these numbers and it needs to be resolved.
Homeless people need help to feed themselves, keep warm and have a roof over their heads. It is not easy to answer all these questions but we believe that taking the first step is always the most important.
The CASA association - Homeless Support Center - provides food and hot meals for people to stay warm and nourished. Funds come from donations and solidarity actions.
How to help someone experiencing homelessness:
- Buy water and easily preserved food items (a hot meal to eat right away; biscuits; juices; fruits; cereal bars; etc.);
- Donate blankets, warm clothes, socks, hats, scarves, umbrellas and waterproofs so that winter is slightly less cold;
- Donate food to street animals, which are often the companions of those who are homeless.
Finally, it is also important to talk to people, make them feel heard and that their stories and experiences matter. A simple conversation can make someone's day better. Mental health is fundamental and is also a factor to be worked on in society as a whole.
Below is a small presentation of some institutions that we cover in this article so that you can get to know them better, visit their platforms and be one small step away from making a huge difference in someone's life.
Helping has never been easier.
See you soon, dear reader
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