CHURCHES in Weymouth and Portland have been donating generously to help needy families struggling with debt.
This year, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has been appealing for donations to fill stockings for its clients.
The charity wants everyone affected by debt locally to have something to open on the big day.
CAP met at St Mary’s Church on Wednesday, December 11 to hand out the stockings to their clients and enjoy a Christmas dinner with them.
Sally Hunt, Centre Manager of CAP Weymouth and Portland, said: “CAP has been in Weymouth and Portland for five and a half years now.
“This was the fifth celebration for and with our clients and volunteers from the local churches.
“Many of our clients don’t receive gifts and have very little money to buy presents for their children."
She said around 60 people gathered at the church for the event.
She added: “We had a couple come along who we met last week. It blew us away that they came. The first thing they said was that it was like a family get together.”
“In Weymouth and Portland that’s what it’s all about people feeling that you belong to something, that you're not on your own.”
The church was opened up by Revd Jo Haine and the food was cooked by Neil Biles of St Mary’s Church.
Meanwhile, Brother Alasdair of All Saints Church in Weymouth attended to deliver a special Christmas message and tell his life story and how he discovered God.
One client, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “My life has never been the same since CAP came into it.”
Sally also thanked The Fantastic Sausage Factory in Weymouth who provided some of the food.
She said: “I would like to give a big thank you to the Fantastic Sausage Factory they sold us turkey and sausages at cost price. It fed a total of 60 people - they were so generous.
“Everybody who attended doesn’t always get to eat food like that, so thank you to the owner Dennis, he blessed our socks off.”
Over the last year, CAP helped 10 of its clients to become debt free in the area.
CONTACT ME:
t: 01305 830821
e: sam.beamish@dorsetecho.co.uk
twitter: @DorsetEchoSam
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here