A Season of Giving, A Day of Belonging
Our volunteers, gather with Santa before the doors opened
This Christmas day, we opened our doors, just as we do every Thursday, but this occasion felt especially vibrant and meaningful. The community hub, transformed into a winter wonderland, was the result of the hard work and creativity of our devoted volunteers, who poured their hearts into making Boothley Road a festive and welcoming space.
In preparation for this special day, countless hours were dedicated to decorating the hall with sparkling lights, colourful ornaments, and warm touches that brought the spirit of the season to life. Our volunteers meticulously wrapped presents, ensuring each gift was beautifully presented, and spent hours in the kitchen preparing hearty meals that would delight our guests. Ten dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to create a feast that anyone would be proud to serve their family.
Months of planning went into making this day unforgettable, including weeks spent travelling across the Fylde to collect generous donations from local businesses and community members. When the time finally came to open our doors, we were filled with excitement and anticipation. The welcoming atmosphere quickly filled with the joyful sounds of laughter and chatter as families arrived, eager to share in the Christmas spirit. Santa and his cheerful elves brought delight to the event, making their way around the room to deliver gifts, each one carefully chosen. At the head of the long dining table sat our very special guest, a 91-year-old client, whose presence reminded us all of the importance of honouring our elders and celebrating life’s precious moments together.
As the festive crackers were pulled and cheerful jokes filled the air, our volunteers began serving the first of three delicious courses, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. For the next two hours, we strived to dissolve any feelings of stigma or shame, ensuring that every person in attendance felt embraced and valued. Just like every Thursday, our compassionate team engaged with each table, fostering connections and encouraging the sharing of stories, laughter, and light-hearted banter. We listened attentively, offering not just food but also companionship and understanding, creating a safe space where everyone could relax and enjoy the festivities.
Every individual and pet that walked through our doors on Christmas Day was welcomed as part of our Helping Hearts family. We believe that no one should ever feel shame or exclusion, only genuine warmth and acceptance. The day wouldn’t have been possible without the collective efforts of every single person, community group, and local business that generously donated funds, gifts, or their time to make this Christmas day a reality. The outpouring of kindness was so abundant that it would take a book to accurately express our gratitude to everyone who contributed!
A heartfelt thank you goes to each of our volunteers, who gave up their Christmas morning to ensure the success of this event. They took time away from their own family celebrations to cook a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, demonstrating the true spirit of service and generosity. Their commitment helped us create an atmosphere that felt like a family gathering for all who attended, nurturing bonds among our guests and volunteers alike.
This year has brought remarkable change to Helping Hearts, from moving into our own community hub to expanding the range of services we offer to those in need. Ending 2025 with such a fulfilling and joyous Christmas day stands as a testament to our mission. It was a profound blessing to witness the Fylde community come together, united in love and generosity, to create a day filled with hope and happiness. This shared experience reaffirms our dedication to keeping our doors open every Thursday evening, as we strive to support one another and ensure that no one in our community feels alone.
From all of us at Helping Hearts, we hope you had a very Merry Christmas and wish you a happy New Year.
