Volunteers bring Christmas cheer

Volunteers from St Joseph’s Family Centre have been busy collecting items and packing hampers for families in need. 320 hampers have been made this year, thanks to generous donations from schools, churches, volunteers and community groups.

The hampers include food, toys and gifts and have been packaged at the Town Hall ready for distribution.

Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Karen Mundry said: “This is a wonderful project which helps make Christmas that little bit easier for families who might need a helping hand. It wouldn’t be possible without the continuing generosity of Warrington’s communities, who offer their kind gifts and, importantly, their time, to this project.

“It’s a huge task hand-wrapping all 320 hampers, filling them equally and allocating age appropriate gifts for children, but it goes to show the positive impact we can make to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Christmas is a time for giving, and I’m grateful to the volunteers for their time and generosity.”

Helen Simcoe from St Joseph’s Family Centre, said: “I’m delighted that more than 200 families will benefit from the project and receive a hamper for Christmas. The success of this project wouldn’t be the same without residents’ kind donations.

“The operation starts in January and each year the number of families we help increases. I would like to thank the people of Warrington who have made donations and played their part in giving families a happy Christmas, and a special mention must go to our team of 25 helpers who will be delivering each hamper. It’s these small gestures that, collectively, make all the difference.”

St Joseph’s Family Centre, on Museum Street, is a registered charity, providing a range of services related to family-based needs, including offering a counselling service for children and adults.

For more information please visit saintjosephsfamilycentre.org.uk

Photo, from L-R: The Mayor Cllr Karen Mundry, Chris Ainsworth, Mary Ainsworth, Cath O’Neill, Helen Simcoe