A CHARITY set up in Shipston to provide Christmas lunch to those spending the day alone is extending its support this year.
Shipston Community Christmas was started six years ago to hold a Christmas gathering for people from the town and surrounding villages who may be experiencing loneliness at Christmas.
And this year, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, they are doing all they can to help struggling families.
Tessa Hince, who organises the event every year with Dan Scobie and a team of volunteers, said: “Our aim is to support people who might find Christmas difficult for whatever reason and do whatever we can to help. We originally started the charity to ensure no-one had to spend the day alone at Christmas.”
The Christmas Day event is moving to the Scout Hut this year and will take place from 10am until 2pm with drinks, mince pies, Christmas music and the opportunity to collect a Christmas dinner to take away.
The charity is encouraging people to get in touch if they would like to be included as a guest, to receive a dinner at home, or are a family needing support, by emailing [email protected] or calling 07498 558149.
Tessa explained with the additional pressures people are facing and rising food costs they need more support than ever.
She said: “We’re always enormously grateful to all the wonderful people who give their support to the lonely and vulnerable in our community each Christmas, so we can raise the funds to help even more people.
“If anyone is able to give their time or make a donation, however small, every penny we receive goes directly to helping people. Shipston Community Christmas is run by volunteers and nobody gets paid.”
Donations to Shipston Community Christmas can be made via the charity’s just giving page www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/shipstonxmas
