HUNDREDS of families in need have been gifted a “generous” Christmas hamper with a range of foods, a toy voucher and even a whole chicken.

Citygate Church partnered with Bournemouth Foodbank and more than 30 businesses, agencies and charity groups to deliver 200 hampers filled with food and seasonal cheer to families in crisis.

On Thursday, December 23, more than six tonnes of goodies were delivered to family homes across the area by a fleet of 70 volunteer drivers.

Event organiser Ed Briggs said: “We’ve packed all 200 hampers right here so drivers can come and collect them. We’ve also thrown into each hamper a bag of fresh food including vegetables and bread and a bag of frozen food – including a whole chicken for each family.

“We also put in a Christmas card with our message of hope from the bible and a £10 toy voucher for Smyths.

“All together it’s a generous lot but thanks to all the help we get from our partners we’re able to provide this.

“Drivers come in, get loaded up, then come through to get briefed on their deliveries. We do all the Covid stuff, give them their delivery list and set them up on our delivery app to help us manage it all – then we send them on their way wearing a pair of antlers, because why not?”

Volunteer June Symonds was working on the hotline, liaising with partners and drivers. She said: “This is an absolutely fantastic project and Ed orchestrates it wonderfully every year.

“I think for families in crisis, can you imagine what this means to them? To be able to have Christmas together with less worries is what a true Christmas is all about. The essence of it is making families thrilled to have a Christmas with hope.”

Also making the rounds was Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr David Kelsey, who surprised families and volunteers with his involvement.

He said: “The families were really grateful and I think a bit surprised that the Mayor turned up on their doorstep with a hamper but it’s a great thing to do at Christmas time. Not everyone has the fortune of being able to feed their family so for the community to step up is fantastic.

“I grew up living on benefits so I know what these people are going through, I’ve been there and by the grace of God I could be there again. Since I’ve been Mayor it has really opened my eyes to how bad things are in certain areas, and it does make you think how lucky you are.”