Exeter Church sends out 250 hampers to people in need
Low income families across Devon have been receiving food hampers this past weekend, thanks to a church in Exeter.
Rediscover Church based in Northernhay Street, put together 250 hampers, thanks to generous donations from its own congregation members and partner charities including Fairshare.
The hampers were packed with a range of food including pasta, rice, sauces, biscuits, Christmas puddings, mince pies. beans, soup and more to support a range of people through the Christmas period, a time where money can be particularly tight. The church were also grateful to Nandos and Warburtons for additional donations of products.
The hampers were given to a range of different people including families with little money, to others who have had a difficult year such as bereavements. The church also partnered with local organisations and agencies to identify individuals and families across Devon who are in need of food this festive season. Some were also given to Julian House to be distributed.
The church have been running the hamper project for a number of years, with this year’s total a substantial increase on last year’s amount of 100 hampers being made up and sent out.
Over the past weekend, over 150 volunteers came together to help pack and deliver the hampers, with the distribution network covering the whole of Exeter to households in Torbay and in Newton Abbot.
Nige Williams, Associate Pastor of Rediscover Church, said: “What a joy it is to help others at Christmas including many people who have had a difficult year, to those who have had trials and different struggles, and instead put a smile on someone's face and tell them they are valued and loved – it’s so worthwhile! Being able to do this for all the hampers this year has been an absolute privilege and working with all the volunteers and drivers at Rediscover Church has been incredible. We thank every volunteer, supporter and company who have helped make this happen, to see families smile and have hope restored is what the Christmas hampers are made to do.”
The hampers were warmly received by recipients across the country, with comments including: “thank you for the blessing you bestowed on my family today”, “Wow. Thank you very much, me and my children are very grateful” and “Thank you for the generous food hamper. We have had a tough few years and this has made us realise there are lovely caring people in the world, you have certainly made our Christmas merrier”.
Already looking to next year, the church is looking to run and build on the hamper project again. If there are any businesses or charities who are looking to partner with the church in this way, they are asked to email office@rediscoverchurch.com
