Donate early, advises the Welfare Service
FOOD and voucher donations are gratefully welcomed by the Guernsey Welfare Service this Christmas after another difficult year for many local households.
Guernsey Welfare Service co-ordinator Sue Le Friec encouraged people to donate as early in advance as possible, as many people will be using the service up until Thursday 23 December.
‘We are going to see between 300 and 350 people in these three weeks,’ she said.
‘This represents 300-350 households – some may have one person in them, some may have eight, so we might actually be helping around 2,000 people.’
Boxes of chocolates, Christmas biscuits, packets of stuffing mix, gravy granules, and tinned meats would all be appreciated.
‘All food will be set up in the public area which is manned by volunteers, and people will come to see us in the welfare office for assistance,’ Mrs Le Friec said.
‘We expect it to be as busy as ever – we want to do as much as we can to help people.’
Vouchers for teenagers are also welcome, for example for Boots, Just Games, New Look, or Sports Direct, as well as financial gifts to go towards heating or food costs.
Mrs Le Friec said 330 people used the service last Christmas, which was more than usual. 560 people used the service throughout the year.
‘Last year and this year have been difficult years for people.’
She said the Guernsey Welfare Service was happy to speak to people prior to coming in, and that appointments were available on Tuesday mornings for people who may find it difficult to go at busier times.
‘If people are struggling, please do get in touch,’ she added.
n The Guernsey Welfare Service is in Upper Mansell Street and is open for twice as many hours in its new location. For more information and opening times, visit www.guernseywelfare.com.
