Demand at a food bank which prepares Christmas hampers for struggling families has shot up by more than 50 per cent amid the cost of living crisis.
Volunteers at Feeding Families are packing a staggering 140,000 items into 8,000 boxes to bring festive cheer to those fighting to survive this December.
On top of this the charity's Christmas Dinner appeal is matching 2,300 generous donors with families in need.
Those wanting to donate can buy from a list of festive foods, creating a hamper they then deliver in person.
Read more: How can I donate to food banks for Christmas?
The givers and receivers are able to choose from six Christmas menus including vegan and gluten free options. Staples such as sprouts, turkey and potatoes are on offer as well as festive treats of mince pies, sweets and chocolate logs.
Fundraising manager Sarah McPhie said: "We know it's really hard for so many people and also that it's difficult to admit you can't afford to feed yourselves or your families.
"You are not alone. A lot of people are in this situation. More this year than ever.
"We urge people to come forward for help."
Feeding Families, which is based in Blaydon, Gateshead, started providing Christmas hampers back in 2015, and demand for their dinners has never been so high - they have delivered more than 161,000 meals to families in need across the North East over the last year.
Across all their services, they have experienced an increase in need of 52 per cent as finances are crippled amid massive hikes in energy, food and interest rates.
The charity, which has 400 volunteers this Christmas, has managed to meet soaring requests by purchasing food with cash donations and increasing packing sessions.
Sarah added: "The project started when our CEO saw the need in her local community, with a family who had nothing at Christmas. She supported them and then the following year it grew and she looked after 300 families.
"From there, Feeding Families was born. Originally it was just a Christmas project but we now help families all year round.
"This year we are packing 140,000 items of food into 8,000 boxes. The rises in food and energy prices are affecting everyone this year. They are affecting not only the people we support but also our donors.
"We can't really predict what the future holds but we do know that this year will be very, very difficult for families in our region."
READ NEXT:
- Man with knife and rolling pin walked aggressively through Durham
- Huge cannabis farm with 600 plants raided by police inside Darlington property
- Durham music venue owner 'devastated' as redevelopment plans will see it close
If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here
Sarah added: "I strongly ask anyone who is struggling to come forward and come forward now so we are able to support you. The closer it gets to Christmas it becomes really, really hard. But if you get in touch now we will be able to help."
As well as their project which matches donors with those in need, Feeding Families distributes hampers through their partners, who include Age Concern and Social Services.
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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel