Christmas hampers delivered to Aylesbury residents in need as annual lunch is cancelled
St Mary's Church is unable to hold its usual Christmas meal
Aylesbury residents in need are receiving Christmas hampers.
Coronavirus has meant the annual Christmas meal at St Mary's Church for those in need or without company during the holidays has been cancelled. In it place the organisers have created Luxury Christmas Hampers in order to continue support locals.
Paul Walter and Kim, his wife, have run the Community Christmas Lunch on Christmas Day for 15 years.
Paul says it was important to still do something for the community:
"It has been a tricky year for everyone and people who were in need before the virus are certainly going to be in more need than before.
"Given restrictions and health and safety we couldnt put the meal on, but we could do the hampers and give them out in a Covuid safe way.
"But, it would still show that people in the community are thinking of those less fortunate in the community.
"We have been working with the food-banks as well who provide a back up of staple items for people.
"But we wanted something above and beyond that so we decided to do something a bit more indulgent so we can give people in need a bit more Christmas cheer
"So we are doing small luxury hampers that maybe people cant afford at this time of year and populate them with things like chocolate, ham, salmon and other goodies."
They worked with local charities and support organisations to find those in need to arrange a hamper delivery, as well as contacting people who have attended the Christmas lunch.
At first they hoped to proved around 120 hampers, so they could meet the demand there is usually seen at the lunches.
However, through support from local organisations and groups they have packed and organised delivery for over 300.
Aylesbury Town Council were able to provide £4,772 towards the hampers, through their grant scheme.
The hampers were packed last weekend, and after being left for 72 hours they are being delivered over the course of several days.
Aylesbury's Mayor Mike Smith has been helping the project:
"It is one of the highlights of my year taking part in this Christmas meal.
"As Deputy Mayor and Mayor I have spent the afternoon on Christmas day being part of this wonderful thing that helps our community.
"It is great to have the chance to do something a little bit different and to show people out there they have not been forgotten and there are still people who want to go and help others which is what the true spirit of Christmas is all about.
"I would say keep an eye on neighbours and friends and family, just to make sure nobody is left behind or fogotten. We want people to have the most enjoyable and safe Christmas they can in the circumstances."
Any leftover food items will be donated to Aylesbury Food Bank and Aylesbury Homeless Action Group and will be given out throughout January and February to ensure no food is wasted.