NEIGHBOURS IN NEED

2010

This year, as food and fuel costs are demanding a greater proportion of people's salaries, pensions or benefits, many people are feeling the strain of making ends meet.  We have the opportunity to work with East Belfast Mission in responding to the real dilemmas facing vulnerable individuals and families in Inner East Belfast through the Neighbours in Need Christmas hamper project.

Last year, EBM distributed almost 230 hampers to families in East Belfast and throughout the city- three times the number of hampers as the year before!  With the effects of the financial downturn impacting local families more than ever, it is expected that this year's number of hamper requests will grow.

Last year Christchurch provided great support for this project. This helped those who gladly received a hamper but was also a great encouragement to the folks at EBM to know that we, in Christchurch, were fully behind them.

We would ask for your help again this Christmas……………………. What can you do ?

1)      Donate Food - We will gladly accept donations of non-perishable food that will need to remain fresh until Christmas. Please bring food (see list) to Christchurch on Sunday 5^th Dec.

2)      Donate Vouchers - We will gladly accept vouchers of any denomination for grocery stores (i.e. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl).

3)      Donate Money for Fresh Meat and Veg. - Each year, the hampers contain vouchers for fresh meat and veg from shops local to the Newtownards Road.  The vouchers allow families to purchase fresh, healthy items that can't be included in a hamper.  Donations of money are invaluable in helping EBM to make those vouchers available in the Christmas hampers.

4)      Volunteer - volunteers are needed to sort donated food & pack hampers on Saturday 11^th December, in the morning. If you would like to help please let us know.

Thanks so much for your generosity.  Last year, hampers were described as "life lines" by some of the people who received them.  Together we can make a difference again this Christmas.

Contact David & Sharon McFeeters for more information