Christmas Crusaders: How a local charity shop is helping the homeless
By Elspeth Chapman
Photo from pexels via Duong Nhang
Whilst the streets of London fill with tourists eager to enjoy the holiday season and splash their cash, an important effort is taking place in the heart of the city. Local communities are working tirelessly to support the most vulnerable, with charity shops playing a crucial role in providing aid and hope to those who need it most.
Charity shop Crisis located in Finsbury Park are relying on the generosity of their customers to allow them to step up. This support from locals enables them to help the homeless. Inside these stores, dedicated volunteers ensure shop floors remain welcoming as to pull the customers in. Staff work together to support those in need, offering “advice for next steps and further support for those experiencing homelessness”.
According to London Council’s recent report, within the past ten years, rough sleeping has risen by 58% across London. Charity shops play a crucial role over the Christmas season in keeping people safe and supported. In an interview with the BBC, Bridgerton star, Golda Rosheuvel stated that "Crisis creates that safe space for them to have a community”.
Beyond being places to purchase second-hand goods, these shops become hubs of community aid. Crisis offer a non-judgemental service where a sense of belonging is brought to a community of those who often feel invisible. This season, their work is a lifeline for many individuals and families. “Crisis at Christmas” offers financial aid, Christmas dinner, hotel rooms as well as emotional support.
Within the glow of Christmas lights and hustle of busy shoppers, these unsung heroes serve as a powerful reminder of what the Christmas spirit means to those in need.
“There is definitely an increase in people coming into the store over Christmas time,” says David, Store Manager at Crisis Finsbury Park. Many customers visit not just to browse but to contribute by making direct donations. Initiatives like “Christmas at Crisis,” where £29.80 covers a meal and seat for someone in need, capture the season's charitable spirit. “Lots of people come in just to donate money over Christmas,” David notes, referring to two £100 donations received today.
It isn’t just the support of the public that drives these charities. It’s the dedication of the volunteers and staff that truly supports the cause of combatting homelessness. Fundraising and raising awareness is the main focus for the store year-round, “making sure we make as much money as possible to reinvest into Crisis projects”.
For many of the volunteers and staff the work is deeply personal. The sense of being part of a greater mission and knowing that their work directly impact lives is what fuels them. “The feeling that you’re not just a number and that you are actually helping those in need is what makes this work meaningful”.
“If you can alleviate someone’s life just by coming to work, then I would rather be working here than elsewhere.” - David, Store Manager, Crisis Finsbury Park.
It’s these local heroes that embody the spirit of Christmas, proving that communities can support those who are vulnerable over the Christmas period.
