A church in Lincoln has received an ‘’overwhelming’’ number of donations to its Christmas Sack Project this year, despite concerns the cost-of-living crisis would impact support from the public.
People from all over the city have come together to donate clothes, toys, and gifts to Bridge Church Lincoln for families who are struggling this Christmas.
Project Co-ordinator and Senior Pastor at Bridge Church, Sian Wade, said: ‘’It’s been amazing because I wasn’t sure about doing a project this year with everyone feeling the squeeze.
‘’But I think people have really stepped up. Those that can donate, have and they have been so incredibly generous.’’
Organisers have also been collecting donations for young Ukrainian refugees staying in Grantham’s Urban Hotel.
Men who have recently left prison on probation will also be given their own Christmas sacks, each with a letter and gifts.
Sian says although the latter might be controversial, it is important they know ‘’people do care.’’
Food bags and warm clothing are new additions to the appeal, in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
However, the food banks they usually partner with have been so low on supplies that they have had to find other ways of putting together food bags.
A £10,000 donation by BNA Charitable Trust allowed them to buy essentials like cereal, as well as some Christmas treats.
Pepperells Solicitors, other local businesses and Morrisons Supermarkets have come together to donate ‘Christmas Dinner’ bags which contain all the ingredients for a festive meal.
Lincolnshire Co-op Travel has been collecting donations in store throughout the year, managing to raise a whopping £8,000 for the project.
Anna-Marie Cowan-Clarke, Lincoln Community Co-ordinator for the Co-op, is part of the ‘’army’’ of volunteers at the project.
She said: ‘’So many people are struggling at the moment to make ends meet and then on top of that they’ve also got to think about buying presents, so I think this is such an important cause.’’
Anna-Marie added: ‘’Bridge and the people that run it, are so welcoming to everybody and it’s such a relaxed atmosphere so it feels great to have been able to be part of this and contribute in some way.’’
To find out more about the project, visit https://www.facebook.com/christmassackprojectlincoln/
