At the beginning of October, I wrote an honest and open blog setting out the need for financial donations as we faced a shortfall in our cash-flow. These situations are sadly not uncommon across the charity sector and it is not the first time we’ve had to appeal for money in this way. At the time, I set out our vision to have more sustainable and ongoing funding sources through our 25 & Counting campaign which had its formal launch at our AGM, but I also remarked that these new things can take time to bring dividends.

I have been delighted in how many schools, churches, businesses and organisations have responded positively to 25 & Counting. I hope that you will have seen updates and tweets about some of the conversations we’ve been having and some of the support we’ve received. I can assure you that there’s more going on behind the scenes and we’ve got some exciting developments which will hopefully come to fruition over the next 12 months.

However, the issue of funding doesn’t simply go away. Whilst things aren’t quite as bleak as they once were, we still have a shortfall in our income which isn’t going to be filled easily. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be a big benefactor out there with an open cheque-book (perhaps you know one, and could point him my way!?!).

It’s December and obviously eyes are fixed on Christmas. I know, for most of us, that means increased spending and even stress. At The Door, we understand the strain Christmas can put on families – that’s why we have so many things happening in the next month to support and bless local families. There’s our Christmas Ball for young people to have a great party with music, food and gifts for a very small entrance fee. Then there’s the party we throw for our volunteers as a thank you for all their contributions. Also, we have a whole day set aside to deliver over 70 food and gift hampers to families across the district – all thanks to donations from Provident, Sainsbury’s, Foodbank and Forresters.

Christmas for us, as a bunch of Christians serving our community, is also a time when we want everyone to fix their eyes of Jesus. It’s important to remember the message of Christmas is of God in human form, who came to serve the poor, needy, hungry, and hopeless. Jesus liked a party with wine, food and merriment sure, but it was more important to Him to transform lives for eternity, and not just be content with a couple days of merriment.

So this December, could you consider spending a little less on turkey, tinsel and toys, and a little more to bring hope for the long term to those perhaps less fortunate than yourself? There are a few ways you could do that:

• Join us at our AMAZING Christmas Presence concert on Sunday 13th
• Come find us in the lobby of Sainsbury’s between Friday 11th and Sunday 13th where we’ll be selling 2nd hand books, collecting donations and singing carols

• Buy some of your presents from Tranzform – we’re open on Goodwill evening and right up untilDecember 23rd

• Seek out our street collectors in Stroud on Saturday 12th
• Make a one-off or monthly donation to our work – information can be found here

Above all, I wish you and yours a Christmas which is full of the Joy that comes with the amazing news that Jesus Christ is born. May God bless you this December!

Barrie Voyce