GENEROUS volunteers embraced the spirit of Christmas as they helped deliver more than 190 hampers to families struggling to make ends meet this winter.

Packers, coordinators and drivers all gave up their time to support the Christmas Hamper Appeal in Bournemouth.

Organised in partnership by Citygate Church and Bournemouth Foodbank, the parcels containing fresh and frozen food, as well as Christmas goodies, were delivered to the homes of people who had been nominated by various local agencies that are focused on supporting families in crisis.

With a raft of support from partner organisations, the appeal was able to distribute supplies to hundreds of people.

The hampers, which included a Christmas card and a £5 voucher for Smyths Toys, were sent out on Thursday, with 60 dedicated volunteers clocking up more than 350 miles on the road.

Ed Briggs, the Christmas Hamper Appeal team leader at Citygate Church, said: “We are delighted to work with so many other churches, charities, businesses and agencies who share our heart for those on the fringes of our community.

“We wish everyone involved and the families that received hampers a happy Christmas and a New Year of hope.”

Organisers estimate the food will help to feed around 700 people over the festive period.

While most hampers were dropped off by a car journey, Christchurch resident Simon Dunsby, who recently started working at LV, decided to use pedal power to support the appeal.

He took hampers in the crate on the front of his modified bicycle and sped his way to complete the deliveries.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr Susan Phillips also played her part in the programme.

She met with the volunteers, who were based at Nationwide’s Portman House building in Richmond Hill.

Cllr Phillips told the Daily Echo: “I was so impressed by the tenacity of all the volunteers who gave their time to help deliver hampers for people who had been nominated. It was so well organised on the day and credit to everyone who battled in the wind and the rain to bring it all together.

“In Bournemouth there are so many incredible volunteer organisations, who all do amazing things in their own way, with the same overall goal of helping people in our community."

To find out more about the appeal and to sponsor a hamper, visit cgc.link/hampers.