Exeter Christmas Hamper Project urgently seeks premises for its launch
An Exeter Church which is looking to pack hundreds of Christmas Hampers for people in need across the city, is urgently seeking a premises to make the project a reality.
Rediscover Church in Northernhay Street, Exeter, has, for the last 6 years, put together Hampers packed full of food to give out to individuals, families and couples across Exeter. Those recipients have often included those who are struggling with finances at the moment, particularly during the festive time when there can be many strains on bank accounts, causing much stress, anxiety and worry.
The project involves the church reaching out to primary and secondary schools, charities, GPs Surgeries, and organisations such as Julian House who work with the homeless across the city, to help and support people to get through the Christmas period, where otherwise they might be struggling.
Each year, the church receives many letters and emails of feedback to say Christmas would have not been possible without this donation, and that recipients felt loved and cared for with the present of the hamper.
With the reduction of Universal Credit and ongoing effects of Covid-19, the church is looking to rise to the need in the city and build on the 300 or so hamper target this year, with the aim of putting together anywhere up to 1000 hampers to give out to people across Exeter.
However, currently they do not have a premises to pack the hampers which is currently putting the whole project in jeopardy.
The church is in serious need of an empty building or shop, where volunteers can pack the hampers and also store the food goods. The project is taking place over December and are looking for the use of a facility during this time.
Previously, the church has used their building, however with other community-based activities throughout the week, and with the increased number of hampers being put together, over a longer period of time, this is not feasible this year.
Already, hundreds of hampers have been allocated to people in need across the city, now the church are appealing to building or shop owners, to see if there is an opportunity their premises can be used for the project this year. The church sincerely thank anyone who is able to help them with this. If you're looking for inspiration for Christmas Gifts, take look at the range of hampers available at Virginia Hayward.
Mark Pugh, Lead Pastor of Rediscover Church, said, “each year, we’re able to support so many people through the festive season with these hampers, and with an ever-increasing need out there, we’re looking to send out more. But a facility to pack them is desperately needed, we’re calling on anyone in the city, who feels stirred by the need, to get in touch with us and we’d be honoured and delighted to chat further.”
The church is also reaching out to see if anyone in the local community would like to help pack or distribute the hampers. There is no experience necessary, just a willingness to get stuck in with a team, helping to make a difference to many hundreds of people this year. Individuals who can help are asked to get in touch with the church directly.
If any business or shop owner is available to help out, please can they contact the church at jason.ham@rediscoverchurch.com or phone 01392 425070
