The Voluntary Services Lewisham (VSL) Christmas Project is running again this December and has been included as part of the Lewisham Mayor’s Christmas Appeal 2021. VSL have been supporting disadvantaged Lewisham residents at Christmas for almost fifty years and last year alone they provided gifts and food hampers to almost 3000 children, families and isolated adults. In light of the post-covid economic downturn we face, the need for this year’s project is expected to be greater than ever.
For families and individuals facing economic hardship, the joy of the Christmas season can sadly be overshadowed by the extra financial pressure it brings. Many of the service users CCL supports share with us their worries over things like rising heating costs, benefit reductions and the difficulty of securing steady employment. Too many residents simply cannot afford to lavish gifts or celebratory meals on their loved ones. To help relieve the burden, this year’s VSL Christmas Project will be providing toys for children, vouchers for teenagers and young adults, food vouchers for all families and food hampers for vulnerable individuals and couples. For those facing extreme hardship they will also be delivering Christmas meals cooked by Lewisham Salvation Army (up to 2 per household) on the 23rd December.
Would you like to receive support?
A referral will need to be made for those wanting support, and this will be given on a first come first served basis. As a partner of VSL, Community Connections will be happy to refer you if you are struggling this Christmas. Please call us as soon as possible on our Monday-Friday helpline 0330 0583 464.
Are you able to help?
Even just a small donation can make a big difference to local members of our community experiencing hardship this Christmas. If you would like to make a financial donation to the VSL Christmas Project 2021 you can do so by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/vslchristmas2021
In addition to financial donations they are also seeking contributions of toys, books, and other gifts for children. New toys and gifts can be donated by dropping them at any of the following locations:
Voluntary Services Lewisham, Lewisham Central Community Hub, Leemore Centre, 29-39 Clarendon Rise, London, SE13 5ES, between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Lewisham Salvation Army, 12-14 Lewisham Park, London SE13 6QZ between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday
Magi Gifts, 193 Brockley Road, London SE4 2RS
Jay’s Budgens, 400-406 Brockley Road, Crofton Park, London, SE4 2DH
Co-op Food, 383 Brockley Road, Crofton Park, London SE4 2PH
For more information about VSL’s Christmas Project and their other great year-round work please visit their website www.vslonline.org.uk.