Charities in Colne at Christmas
by Colne Life magazine
Spread the Christmas Cheer with Colne Charities
As the festive season approaches, Colne charities are gearing up to support those in need within our community. Here’s a round-up of what various organisations are doing this Christmas, along with how you can get involved or access assistance.
Kids’ Christmas Gift Appeal
Open Door is preparing to provide Christmas hampers for local children identified as being at risk of receiving little or nothing from Santa. Last year, they delivered 524 hampers filled with toys, gifts, and festive treats. This year, with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, they anticipate even more families needing support.
How to Help
Open Door is accepting donations of new boxed toys, gift sets, chocolates, and Christmas food items. You can drop off your contributions at the Colne Open Door Centre, located at 1 Great George Street, Colne. For more information or if you need assistance, call 01282 860 342 or
email manager@opendoorcentre.org.
Fill a Bag for Carers
This festive season, Carers Link invites you to support unpaid carers by filling a carrier bag with donations for their charity shops. Items needed include bric-a-brac, gift sets, DVDs, CDs, toys, clothing, and footwear.
Where to Donate
You can drop off your filled bags at their charity shop located at 59 Market Street, Colne, open Monday to Saturday (excluding Tuesdays) from 10 am to 5 pm. For collection arrangements from your workplace, call 01254 387444. Proceeds from sales will directly support unpaid carers across East Lancashire.
Christmas Day Breakfast
On Christmas Day, the Open Door Centre will open its doors from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm to provide free breakfast sandwiches and hot drinks for anyone in the community. This welcoming event is a chance for everyone to come together, enjoy a warm meal, and connect with others.
Keep Social at Colne Citadel
Colne Citadel operates as a community centre aimed at reducing social isolation and improving lives. They host various groups each week, including:
Arts and Crafts Monday 12-1.30 pm
Tuesday for ages 18+,
6 games with food and drink
MenKind Support Group
Tuesday 7-8.30 pm
Mindfulness
Wednesday 12.30-1.30 pm
Movement to Music
Thursday 12.30-1.30 pm
SisterHood Support Group
Friday 10-11.30 am
Nattershack
Friday 12-1.30 pm
They are actively fundraising for the Christmas period. You can support their efforts by donating through their Just Giving page.
Financial Support Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with debt or budgeting this Christmas, Christians Against Poverty offers advice on money management and benefits calculations. They run drop-ins on the second Friday of the month from 9.30 to 11 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Community Grocery in Colne and on the third Tuesday of the month from 10.30 to 12 p.m. at St. Phillips (formerly Grass Roots) in Nelson.
For free debt help at home, contact 0800 328 0006. Read more about Christians Against Poverty here.
Light Up a Life
Join Pendleside Hospice on Sunday, 22nd December, at 2.30 pm for their Light Up a Life Service, a poignant event that honours loved ones during the festive season.
Christmas Tree Collections
Once the festive season has finished why don’t you let us take away the hassle of disposing of your real tree for a small donation. This will make a huge difference to patient care at Pendleside Hospice and will help us to continue our services. Our collections will be taking place on the 10th, 11th and 12th of January. You can also contribute through Christmas Tree Collections, with donations going directly to the hospice.
ColneLife Dec/Jan 24/25
