Bags of joy at Christmas

Generous people in the Churn Valley Benefice have been donating Bags of Joy to people across the area who have been having a difficult year.

Gifts went to

• families in two women’s refuges,
• families supported by GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers)
• the Salvation Army (SA) who prepare gift parcels for local disadvantaged children and their families
• the Cirencester Food Bank who have linked with the SA to extend their standard range of items over the festive season
• Gloucester City Mission which provides everyday essentials and festive extras for those who have ‘nowhere else’
• Knit for Peace who ensure that hand-made items are directly forwarded to those in greatest need across the World
• £190 worth of Costa Coffee vouchers to enable Gloucestershire Mothers’ Union to give £5 Coffee Vouchers to women released from prison to enable them to get a drink and a snack.

Pauline Farman, the appeal coordinator said, “Wonderful gifts have arrived from across the area.  Gifts which make a real difference to the festive season for so many people. These eight destinations all ensure that the gifts generously donated will benefit those most in need.  It would not have been possible without the cheerful support of the small band of willing helpers who have collected; carefully stored; sorted and then delivered these Christmas Gifts on behalf of all in the Churn Valley Benefice.”