The days leading up to Christmas are always a busy flurry of wrapping presents, last-minute shopping, and preparation for the big day. But for one Manchester food bank, they are a crucial time to sort meals that will be a lifeline for hundreds.
Humans MCR are a Blackley-based food bank, operating year-round to help tackle hunger and food poverty in Greater Manchester. Over Christmas they go a step further, working with supermarkets and volunteers to give those in need 'Xmas hampers' - full of everything they need to make a full Christmas dinner.
The team will deliver the festive hampers to 300 struggling households this holiday season - that's 300 families who be able to enjoy a proper Christmas meal, who otherwise would have gone hungry on Christmas day. As well as food and drink, the hampers come with gifts for children and treats for adults, helping families in need to have a truly special Christmas. But they need your help.
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The charity are purely delivery based, helping food banks become more accessible to those who need them. It's just one of the many reasons we've chosen to support them for our Christmas appeal - you can donate to the campaign here. They're looking for anyone who might be able to take on a delivery route on December 23 to help bring the festive hampers to Manchester's neediest doorsteps.
The team are used to preparing up to 60 emergency food parcels a day - but with five times their usual number of deliveries on the books, they need some seasonal goodwill to help. They are seeking around 30 people to help deliver the hampers to families in need.
Each shift lasts just a couple of hours, and gives volunteers a chance to see the difference their hard work makes as households receive their festive goodies. You don't need a van - any car or vehicle capable of carrying several heavy hampers will help them get the job done.
You can register to volunteer here, or donate money to the campaign here.
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