South Yorkshire based charity Roundabout has issued a plea for the public to donate spare decorations to help homeless youths get in the “festive spirit”.
As part of a special Christmas appeal, Roundabout has also invited public members to either donate money directly or buy a gift from their Amazon Wishlist to help make Christmas a special occasion for the young people they work with.
Jess Hudson, Roundabout’s Community Fundraiser, said Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for young people without a home.
“A lot of people we work with don’t have those close family and friends support networks that others have at Christmas.
“We try and really make sure that they have a gift to open on Christmas Day so they feel special and value,” she said.
The charity has set out what public donations can help provide young homeless people with this Christmas.
Examples range from £7.50 for a festive meal, £15 to ensure they have a special day, and £30 to help keep a family together with a meditative session.
Items included in the Wishlist include wash sets, board games and gift cards.
Give the gift of a brighter future this Christmas 💙
Whether you donate so we can keep young people safe, or give a gift for a young person to open, you’ll be helping to make Christmas a special occasion for vulnerable young people we support. Thank you 🥰https://t.co/YMYnL5ixHW pic.twitter.com/pregl8piMN— Roundabout (@RoundaboutSheff) December 1, 2021
Ms Hudson said the events of the pandemic have resulted in the breakdown of family relationships, with rising numbers of young people getting in touch with the charity.
She said: “With the pandemic family relationships have become strained, and that often hits breaking point at this time of year.”
The youth homelessness charity works with over 300 young people aged 16-25 across South Yorkshire every day to help provide them with the shelter and care they need.
“Our Christmas campaign is really just about trying to raise that awareness and trying to get as many gifts to people as possible,” said Roundabout’s Community Fundraiser.
If you would like to support Roundabout this Christmas, visit https://www.roundabouthomeless.org or call 0114 253 6753.
