Exeter church distributes 1,300 Christmas Hampers to people in need

A church in Exeter has distributed over 1300 hampers packed full of food to people in need across the community.

Rediscover Church in Northernhay Street, Exeter, has run the hamper project every year for the last 7 years, but this is the most it has ever put together to rise to the need across Exeter but also wider Devon, with some going even to Kingsbridge, Axminster and South Molton.

The church worked with local charities and organisations to identify recipients, who, when they had the hamper delivered to their door were often overwhelmed, with some even crying at the doorstep, as they felt so valued that someone was looking out for them this festive season.

These partner organisations included the YMCA Exeter, Julian House, Young Carers, Home Start (supporting families), Devon Refugee Network, 9 primary and secondary schools, CoLab Resilient Women Project working with women fleeing domestic abuse, GP Surgeries (reaching patients in need), Exeter City Council, Livewest, and many more. 

The Christmas Hampers packed with food including pasta, rice, sauces, biscuits, Christmas chocolates, mince pies. beans, soup, and other items, were complimented with other items, including a fresh loaf of bread kindly provided by Warburtons.

Thanks to the generous donations of the church congregation itself, as well as local businesses including Ikea who supplied the hamper bags themselves, Skipton Building Society who provided tea and coffee, and Inchcape Volkswagen who arrived at the venue with a large car load of food, the project was made possible. The hampers reached people, bringing joy and hope, at a time of the year when it came be so difficult for so many reasons.

Volunteers in the church helped pack the bags and then, in many cases, drove them to the homes of recipients, or to a central distribution point, whereby recipients could go and collect a hamper to take home.

Jason Ham, Operations Coordinator at the church, said:

“This project has been made possible by the incredible effort of so many volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring smiles to loads of people’s faces at Christmas! Last year, around 500 hampers were sent out, this year, it has been a massive increase because simply there’s so much need out there with organisations getting in touch with us to say can we help. We believe that our faith is something to be outworked in our community, and by practically supporting others we’re able to help others who might be struggling at this time of the year. We’re so grateful to the church for their generous donations, and for local businesses who have helped us make the project possible! If anyone would like us to support next year, do get in touch now so we can keep you updated.”

People can still donate towards the project which is impacting many thousands of lives across the area at www.rediscoverchurch.com/appeal