The Cessnock Christian Christmas Day Luncheon won't go ahead for the second year running, but the committee is still hoping to spread some Christmas cheer to local people in need.
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Cessnock Uniting Church recently received 60 food hampers from Foodbank, and reached out to the luncheon committee to see if they could help distribute them in the community.
The luncheon had been held at the Uniting Church's Wesley Hall for many years, but COVID forced its cancellation in 2020 and 2021.
Organising committee member Helen Dyball said while it was "deeply saddening" to call off the lunch again this year, she hoped the hampers would bring some joy to those in need.
The committee will help the church distribute the hampers to local service providers, op shops, and to people they have met at the luncheon over the years.
Cessnock Uniting Church's Reverend Neil Smith said the extra food the hampers provide would mean a lot to the recipients.
"At Christmas some people have more than they can eat, and more parties than they can cope with, while others have not enough to eat, and no-one they can share it with," he said.
A small number of hampers are still available. Anyone who would like to receive a hamper, or who can assist with home deliveries, can contact Helen or Rob on 0419 275 450.
Meanwhile, the Christmas lunch committee plans to hold a number of fundraising events throughout 2022. Stay tuned for more details in the new year.
IN THE NEWS
Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
