The caring work of so many folk across our diocese is captured in the efforts of Cleckheaton Foodbank, which is led by Churches Together.
It began as an immediate response to the COVID-19 crisis by local Anglicans Revd Brunel James and Josie Pugsley and Methodists Revd Ray Borrett and Alan Littlewood.
And a fantastic team of volunteers has got involved in collecting and delivering food and responding to requests for personal shopping or prescription collections by people who were shielding.
Local Councillor John Lawson was concerned as the crisis developed about the impact on the most vulnerable members of our community and secured a grant from Kirklees Council - which has since been topped up by countless local donations.
“I really think that the spirit of Jesus is really showing through this Christmas,” said Revd Brunel.
“The foodbank is gearing up for a big distribution of Christmas hampers and gifts for children, the team have been overwhelmed by local people’s generosity.”
“Donations have piled up - including 150 chocolate selection packs and 160 packets of mince pies!
“The foodbank is just one small part of everything that’s been going on as our community have shown constant concern and generosity to those impacted by the Covid crisis.”
“Volunteers have been taking out hot meals, and St John’s church will be delivering ‘oven ready’ Christmas dinners on Christmas Eve.
“Liversedge Football Club are distributing Christmas hampers and local businesses like Colin’s cabs have been funding children’s gifts.
“Mums from the area have organised an online Christmas market, which has raised thousands and formed a ‘Christmas Elves’ group organising gifts for school children."
In one day Cleckheaton churches together did 43 deliveries helping a total of 110 people - including 50 children – with 45 volunteers helping in shifts and 22 drivers arriving at ten minute intervals.