Cornwall Christmas Box Appeal supports more than 2,000 families in need
It has been helping those who would not otherwise have a Christmas meal
More than 2,000 families in need across Cornwall are being given some extra cheer thanks to the annual Cornwall Christmas Box appeal.
The appeal has been organised by the 3 Rivers Vineyard Church in Truro since 2002, collecting Christmas dinner in a box for distribution via Cornwall Council’s social services, local foodbanks and other local charities to families who would not otherwise have a Christmas meal.
In that time the appeal has grown across Cornwall to around 40 drop-off points where people can donate their Christmas boxes, ranging from primary schools to local businesses. The boxes are then picked up by a small army of volunteer drivers for onward distribution.
Pastor and appeal organiser Ben Tyler from the 3 Rivers Vineyard Church, said: “We’ve had another fantastic response from the people and businesses of Cornwall this year with 2,061 boxes donated. These boxes make a huge difference to so many families and we rely entirely on the generosity of local people. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated and supported us, especially Wildanet and Kernow Timber Homes who sent vans out to help.”
Cornish broadband provider Wildanet, based in Liskeard, had eight vehicles and 10 staff involved in collecting and delivering over 650 boxes in one day from all around Cornwall, from Torpoint to Penzance.
Justin Clark, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Wildanet said: “As a Cornish company we were only too happy to help Ben and his team because it’s a big task getting all the boxes to the right locations. We know they will be going to where they are most needed this Christmas and we look forward to being involved again next year.”
Anyone wanting to get involved in next year’s Cornwall Christmas Box appeal can visit: https://cornwallchristmasbox.co.uk/