The Preston charity set to feed 100 isolated people this Christmas

In the run-up to the big day, Chris Murray and his team at the Here for Humanity charity have planned to deliver 100 Christmas dinners to be delivered to isolated members of society.

And joining them in a bid to feed the borough is the West Preston Methodist Church volunteers and Millers Taxis, helping to deliver the hot meals.

The group will be cooking a total of 120 meals, feeding 100 and preparing extra meals for any emergencies and to feed the volunteers for their efforts.

Chris Murray said: "The response from the people who are going to be receiving these meals has been astonishing, they are so grateful and at times overwhelmed and it's beautiful to see.

"This would not be possible without everyone coming together with donations and their services, and people and businesses alike should be really proud of what's going to be achieved."

And the community in Preston has rallied round to support the feat by donating food to be served on December 25.

These include potatoes from the Plungington chippy, turkeys and bacon from Sainsbury's and fruits and vegetables from Sharrocks among many more.

The large scale operation at Ashton Methodist Church will span over three days, starting on December 23.

Chris added: "The church will continue their preparations on Christmas eve and then the Here for Humanity group will cook on the day alongside church volunteers.

"We were supposed to have 20 volunteers but because of the Covid guidelines, we have had to reduce the numbers to 10, which means it will be a very busy day, but we will get 100 meals out there to those who need it.

"Without the donations, the project would cost over £2,000 so we are very grateful. We also received a £300 donation from the 2012 Guild Mayor Carl Crompton which will be used to fill any gaps that we can't source for free."

The charity has teamed up with the PNE Education and Community Trust who are providing 100 festive hampers to accompany the meals, including jigsaws, puzzle books, cheese and crackers and tea and coffee.

They previously teamed up with the Ashton Methodist Church to deliver free school meals in October and wanted to work together on this festive project.

And 100 handmade greeting cards were made by children at Roebuck school that will also be given out with meals, meaning the recipients know they are being thought about over Christmas.

Chris said: "West Preston Methodist have been amazing in being open to our organisation working jointly across their multiple sites and supporting the projects we jointly offer to the community.

"There are people who have messaged our page and nominated elderly people who had not been out or had any social interaction because of the pandemic.

"Although we cater for the elderly, there are a lot of vulnerable adults and ex-homeless people living in their first housing that will be spending Christmas alone.

"It is all about making sure that people know they are being thought about on Christmas day. It would not be possible without the church and their volunteers and the kitchen. It is a joint community effort."

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