A voluntary group in the U.K., called the Harlow Chocolate Run, has been providing food, drinks, and clothes to the homeless locally and nearby areas for over 40 years now.

The organizer of Harlow Chocolate Run, Mick Granger, believes that the people they are helping are usually at their all time low which he thinks is a very lonesome situation to be in, so they help them in whatever way possible.

"There is a lot of stigma surrounding the homeless yet so many don't realize that it can take just one traumatic event – a relationship break-up, the loss of a job, grief – to leave people like you and me vulnerable", said Mick.

Members of the Harlow Chocolate Run generously give these poor people on the streets hot chocolate, meals, and new winter coats. And just recently, the group has widened their horizons and has extended their services with drop-in clinics at centers across the country.

These clinics are there so the homeless can have a place to stay even for just a short span of time. They can avail of a hearty meal and talk to someone who genuinely cares, so they could feel warm, literally and figuratively. However, the group is aiming to get more donations and volunteers in order for their mission to keep going.

Mick said: "Of course when you are dealing with the homeless you are relying on word of mouth to get the message out so it will take some time and patience, but with the continued support from the incredible people of Harlow we believe it will be really successful."

It is a law of the universe that what you give out will come back to you one way or another. Christmas is here. Isn't it better if we celebrate it with its true essence in our minds? It’s the time of year when we can expand our giving. And it isn’t about the grandest and most top-of-the line gifts. Knowing you have helped someone who is in dire need can be the best Christmas gift to yourself.  If this isn't your practice, you should try it sometime.

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Joanna Maligaya

Staff Writer/Content Developer at Chocolate University Online

Ever since she can remember, Joanna has always considered chocolate as the ultimate food for her soul. She believes in the saying, “9 out of 10 people love chocolate, and the 10th always lies.”

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