The hamper boxes are ready!
I know that with the help of Upchurch residents, UpARA and St Mary's / Uplift churches, they will soon be full of Christmas goodies for the four struggling families that are being supported by Swale Foodbank and the Salvation Army.
They have joined together this year to try and help vulnerable people through Christmas. You may have seen the posters. They are trying to fill over 400 hampers. You are doing your bit - bless you.
Please visit: www.giftofchristmas.co.uk where you can read what's happening and join their Facebook group with more info.
Swale Foodbank - Christmas Collection
As well as the hampers, with the help of Santa's little helpers, Sue and Georgina, I will be collecting all your Christmas gifts for Swale Foodbank at the bus stop opposite the church on Wednesday, the 6th of December, between 10:30am and 11:30am. If you could go completely Christmas, that would be fantastic.
If you are able to provide long-lasting Christmas-type food, for example:
Christmas Pudding
Christmas Cake
Tinned Ham
Christmas Treat Stockings
Tinned Cream
After Eight Mints
Christmas Twiglets and other savoury treats
Biscuits to go with Cheese
Nuts and Crisps
Squash and Drinks
Please bring your items in carrier bags.
We will then deliver them to the Swale Foodbank Warehouse, part of the Trussell Trust.
All donations are helpful, providing the food is long life and well within date.
We are also collecting new toys, gift sets and new hats, scarves and gloves if you would like to donate a gift. These gifts need to be unwrapped.
The Salvation Army will be running a pop-up shop where families known to them will be able to come along and choose a gift for each member of their family.
I think that's such a wonderful idea.
Can you help?
Carol Singing in Upchurch
I haven't finished yet. I'm gathering groups for carol singing on:
Wednesday the 6th of December at Beckenham Park, between 5:30pm and 6:00pm.
Monday the 11th of December on the corner of Marstan Close and Chaffes Lane, between 6:30pm and 7:30pm.
Monday the 18th of December, opposite the church by the village Christmas tree, between 6:30pm and 7:30pm.
Please come and lend your voice. Or come and pop some coins in our containers.
All proceeds will go to the Swale Foodbank and The Salvation Army appeal.
God bless you - you have stood with those struggling for the whole of this year.
I have no doubt that you will stand with them through this Christmas too.
Thank you, and may God bless you ❤️
Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator
Email: gilliangay99@yahoo.co.uk
