Video/Gallery: Church delivers nearly 100 Christmas hampers to families struggling to find the money to buy presents for their children
George Crooks, Leah, Andrea and Elise Golding and Liz Bennett assembling Christmas hampers
Wearing Santa hats and a festive smile, the Christmas spirit is thriving today here in Suffolk.
The Forge Community Church, which is based in mid Suffolk, has packed and delivered nearly 100 Christmas hampers to families in need as part of its annual Away in a Hamper campaign.
Campaign coordinator Becky Green said each hamper costs £40 and contains a turkey and all the trimmings for a family of six.
She said: “This year we delivered 97 hampers. I think the economic downturn and rising costs of utilities and electricity is stretching families incomes. Lots have told us they won’t be able to buy Christmas presents for their children which is heartbreaking.”
Becky said the hampers include a fresh turkey, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, bread sauce, sausages, bacon, a box of chocolates, a Christmas pudding, a bottle of non-alcoholic drink, napkins, candles and crackers.
She added: “The aim is to provide a turkey and all the trimmings to make this Christmas memorable for families in our community.
“Each hamper costs £40 and enables us to create a very special hamper for those who struggle financially.”
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Hampers have been sponsored by congregation members as well as various community organisations.
Becky, 31, added: “In 2012 we delivered 85 hampers to local families in need. Last year we delivered 85 and the year before we delivered 45 hampers.
“We wanted to repeat this across the county and it has been so much fun and very rewarding to deliver the hampers to families who really need them.”
The Forge Community Church meets in Debenham every Sunday and has a congregation of about 350 people.
