Over 500 ‘bags of kindness’ were distributed to local food banks, schools, mosques and individuals last month following the third annual Love Christmas Appeal led by the churches of St Gregory’s, Sacred Heart, St Oswald’s and St Oswald’s Primary School.
Organisers from the South Shields and Bolden Colliery area demonstrated the ‘vital role’ the church can play in helping those in need and share their story to encourage others with their inspiring ideas.
Parishioner, Mrs McKie explained; “St Oswald’s Church is surrounded by many housing estates, and we continue our proud history of not only supporting the local community but by striving to become a vibrant hub where people can gather, can help one another, can support their neighbours and combine small collective efforts to benefit those around us.”
Hundreds of tins and packets of food were brought to the school and church halls, alongside toiletries and donations of small gifts while generous monetary donations helped buy specialist foodstuffs all then carefully parcelled ready to be delivered in time for Christmas.
Mrs McKie added; “We thank Fr Walker for giving us the idea of Love Christmas and three of his former parishioners for taking the time to come and meet us and guide us through the process of setting everything up.
“All the helpers were not only greatly humbled and blessed to be part of Love Christmas but also got far more from helping than those we managed help.”
