MEET the congregation which has already delivered over 3,000 gift aid boxes to make sure everyone receives a gift this Christmas.
Worshippers at St Mary’s church have been teamed up with the mission to give every disadvantaged family a Christmas gift.
They have already delivered to 3,000 families and people ahead of Christmas Day on Sunday.
READ MORE: All the items our food banks desperately need this Christmas
Organiser, Sophie-Rose Fanner helps coordinate the team of around 100 volunteers who pack and deliver parcels every week.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, she said: “We’re trying to serve those people who are alone and struggling this Christmas.
“We started quite early on to say that this place could be used as a warm space for our members and then we started expanding to their friends who need a place to come, they can come.
“Our café is free so teas and coffee and sweet things, those are free.”
The initiative runs alongside a 'pay-what-you-can-afford' supermarket offering vulnerable people basic necessities.
These range from warm food to advice services.
Dave, a man who uses some of the services, has been going to the church every Thursday for four months.
Speaking to the Echo he said: “What they do every Thursday here, the food is great and really helps a lot, it’s fantastic.
“When I come here, I have a brew, have a chat.
“It’s a place of comfort, I always have a laugh and a giggle with the people here.
“It’s so nice that these people give out their time. I’m grateful, very grateful.”
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