Norwich church volunteers pack bags of kindness
Volunteers from Gateway Vineyard church in Norwich have donated and packed almost 300 Bags of Kindness to bring some festive cheer and encouragement to those in special need of it this Christmas.
Church members packed 287 food hampers and gift bags to be given to families at Thorpe High School, English Plus, Growkids, CAMEO group and to others nominated by the three Gateway church sites in Norwich, Hellesdon and Beccles.
The Love Christmas matched funding is from Love Your Neighbour, a national initiative, run by the Church Revitalisation Trust and administered by HTB church in London.
Organiser Zosia Knight said: "This year Gateway's Bags of Kindness will be reaching far and wide across the city and beyond. The project aims to bring some cheer and encouragement to those who may be in special need of it this Christmas.
“There are food hampers which are going to several groups and organisations as well as many individuals, and aim to provide a helping hand with people's grocery needs, as well as gift bags with some goodies which we hope will encourage all the recipients.
“Christmas is a wonderful time when we celebrate Christ's birth and the joy that brings, however there are many people who struggle at this time of year, and we want to do what we can practically to help,” said Zosia. “As a church, we are involved in a broad spectrum of compassion activities across the community throughout the year. We think it's important to show love, kindness and generosity in practical ways - it's what Jesus modelled - and it's perhaps especially important at this time of year.”
Now in its fourth year, Love Christmas brings together churches, businesses, schools and others, to promote kindness and connection over anxiety and isolation and reach those that are struggling or alone.
It is a network of churches working in local communities alongside people of all faiths and none to support individuals and families in need.
Gateway Vineyard will be running a series of Christmas services this year. More details below or at:
www.gatewayvineyard.church
Pictured above are Gateway Vineyard volunteers with some of the hampers. Picture by Nicky Morris.
