DORCHESTER’S holiday lunch club is appealing for donations to make-up Christmas hampers.

This year, the group will be distributing 145 parcels to needy families in the area.

Writing in the benefice magazine, Kath Joslin said: “The Thomas Hardye School has put together food hampers which they have offered to us for distribution to families.

“The school usually contributes 80 parcels but because of the increase in numbers this past year we are likely to need about 145.

“We try and make the boxes as attractive and uniform as possible so to this end I would like to ask if anyone feels able to donate any of the following items – mince pies, Christmas pudding/cake, large bags of crisps/biscuits, coffee/hot chocolate, jelly/trifle mix or a small box of chocolates.

“If you would like to contribute could you please leave donations in your own church or St Mary’s Church by Sunday, December 15.

“We put together the hampers on Friday, December 20 and the families collect them from the sixth form centre at Thomas Hardye’s on Saturday, December 21.

“It is so lovely once again to see the whole community – young and old – pulling together to help those less fortunate than ourselves.”

For more information about the Christmas food hampers contact Kath Joslin on her email address joslinkath@gmail.com