Every year we’re overwhelmed by the generosity of those in the community, and 2021 was no exception as anybody that needed toys for children, gifts for their loved ones or clothing to keep them warm was catered to. Gifts came in by the 100s, and then the 1000s, until our centre began to look more like Santa’s Grotto with every room stocking many special presents.
These gifts were redistributed across the community, giving those who ordiniarily go without, from those in hospital wards to school children whose families are facing financial difficulties.
As well as this, food items were donated in incredible amounts, from tins and cans and long-life provisions to festive treats such as chocolates and Christmas puddings. With the sheer amount of produce we had to hand, we were able to provide for anybody in need. In total, we provided a fantastic 164 food hampers, feeding 512 individuals during the festive period, ensuring families and individuals were well fed in what can prove a difficult time for many. Each hamper not only contained enough food provision to last the recipients a week, but also included some lovely festive favourites to guarantee some Christmas cheer.
In ordinary times, Christmas Day would consist of inviting many into our centre for a sit-down Christmas meal, giving those facing social isolation an opportunity to eat, chat and be merry together. However, we faced another year of the festive season being far from ordinary and due to the rising cases in Covid, we came to the decision to prioritise the health and safety of our beneficiaries and once again, we did Christmas Day by doorstep delivery.
This meant preparations and operational logistics begun weeks before the big day. Referrals began in October and as our list of deliveries grew and developed, so did our offers of kind individuals giving up their time to volunteer and aid us in this mammoth mission.
Ensuring absolutely nobody went hungry, Kitchen Manager Dermot carefully calculated quantities of food, ordering an incredible amount of turkey as well as potatoes, carrots and sprouts by the kilo. In the days running up to the big day, it was all hands on deck in the kitchen, chopping, parboiling, roasting and putting those little crosses in the bottoms of each, individual brussel.
As well as a two course Christmas lunch, which included turkey (or a beautiful, homemade vegetable tart as a vegetarian option), carrots, spouts, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets and a slice of Christmas pudding with custard, those on the receiving end were also given a bespoke gift, a handwritten card and some festive bits to brighten their day.
We'd like to give a special thanks to:
- Waitrose
- Morrisons
- Tesco Maintenance
- Equifax
- Leeds Winter Market
- St Joseph's, Wetherby
- St Mary's Rothwell
- Trinity Leeds
- Grafthaus Gym
- Cash For Kids
As well as our incredible volunteers for their time and some very generous personal donations.
