AN APPEAL has been launched for volunteers to help give homeless people a helping of festive cheer over the holidays at a time when its brand of Christmas spirit is ‘needed more than ever.’
The Coventry Open Christmas project has been running for over 30 years and sees kind-hearted volunteers give up part of their holiday to help make someone else’s special, with those who are homeless receiving hot dinners and a warm place to sleep.
This year the project will be back helping people at its regular Christmas shelter at Queens Road Baptist Church.
The service will be open 24 hours a day from 9.30am on December 23 to 10am on December 29.
As well as an emergency overnight place to sleep, the scheme provides free hot meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as food parcels.
People’s Christmas spirit will be lifted by entertainment at the venue each night as well as bingo during the day and much more.
Coventrians have offered plenty of festive kindness over the years, with residents donating their time, clothes, and food, and offering entertainment.
However, last Christmas saw record numbers need the service, with over 200 hot meals served and volunteers running out of food every day.
It’s estimated around 50 volunteers will be needed each day to run the Coventry Open Christmas this year, as well as donations.
Operations manager Natasha Leese said there was no need for anyone to be alone this festive season.
She added: “I have already been receiving messages from people since October asking for help and support this year with toys and food again.
“There is a real struggle for people trying to support themselves this Christmas due to the rising cost of basic living.
“We need the amazing people of Coventry to help ensure the people who need us the most will know we are there for them.”
The Coventry Open Christmas annual volunteer meeting will take place at 7pm on Monday, November 20 at Queens Road Baptist Church.
Visit https://www.coventryopenchristmas.co.uk to volunteer.
