“Mothers’ Union in the Diocese have been busy ensuring refugee families, families of prisoners and those needing extra help at Christmas get those little extras which can make a huge difference,” says Jean Thurman, as she retires as Diocesan Mothers’ Union President after six years.
Jean sponsored an MU tree at the Tree Festival at Halifax Minster where hundreds of families enjoy the wonderful sight each Advent in anticipation of Christmas.
The MU have been supporting refugees this year with Christmas gifts for those at St Augustine’s Refugee Centre, including hats, gloves, scarves, children’s pyjamas, toys and games.
Toiletries were supplied for the women who attend the centre. 
As well as this, in partnership with one of the baby banks, a family has been sponsored.
Christmas gifts of toys, games, slippers and chocolate along with toiletries for the mum and a food hamper were given to a mother with four children.
MU support for prisons also continues, with boxes of chocolates taken to HMP Newhall for all the staff.
MU quickly responded to a request from the chaplaincy at Wetherby Young Offenders Institution for two bags of baby requisites so that two new-born baby boys, children of the young men there, will have necessary items.
A total of 3,200 Christmas cards have been given to HMP Leeds and HMP Wetherby this year, some signed and sent to each prisoner from Mothers’ Union and blank cards for them to send to loved ones.