As the cost-of-living crisis continues, many people are finding it hard to afford Christmas presents for their children this year. Aware of the people struggling in their community, Alcester Minster churches came up with a project to reach out to those in need financially called ‘Give a Gift’.
Families in need got in contact with either Jen, the Alcester Minster Childrens and Families worker, or their school to let them know that they needed help with Christmas presents. Then, a tag was created detailing the age and gender of the child as well as a brief description of what kind of present they would like to receive. These tags were placed on a Christmas tree in St Nicholas Church with people encouraged to take a tag, buy a gift and then take their gift to either Alcester Community Library or bring it to the Gift Giving service that took place on the 3rd December at St Nicholas Church.
The tree with tags on it.
The Alcester community responded generously with over 700 gifts bought for 200 children. A team from the church wrapped all the gifts in a five hour wrapathon on the 4th December so they would be ready to give to the families in plenty of time for Christmas.
The wrapping crew.
The Revd Katie Cross, Rector of the Alcester Minster churches, said:
“In partnership with our local schools, both primary and secondary we asked our congregation and local community to ‘Love your neighbour’ - and they did! We are so thankful to the generosity of everyone involved and know that many families this year will celebrate Christmas knowing they have been embraced by love.”