Churches come together for community Christmas appeal

Eight South Tyneside churches working as one have launched a special Christmas appeal to help people struggling with life and the cost of living crisis.

- by Gareth Crickmer

Father Keith Walker, parish priest of the churches of St Gregory's, St Oswald's and Sacred Heart, with Glynis Ormston and their campaign team.

They are seeking support in their their bid to deliver to those in need a record 450 'bags of kindness' - gift packs full of food treats.

When the first three churches became involved in the project in 2023, part of the national charity Love Your Neighbour's Love Christmas campaign, they filled 200 bags.

In a startling advance, they boosted that figure to 350 last year, with each bag being valued at about £25.

So far this year, all eight have combined to raise £7,500 from social events and council area grants to ensure the success of the scheme.

But many items collected - which also include toys for the children of women in a borough refuge - come from supporters who dip into their own pockets.