A CHURCH project is attempting to gather 1,000 Easter eggs for Gwent families who cannot afford them.

The Jesus Cares initiative at King’s Church, Newport, has been collecting hundreds of chocolate eggs for families in need since 2009, and hopes to give out at least 300 this year, if not more, explained volunteer coordinator Faye Edwards.

“If we could give out 1,000 it would be fantastic,” said Mrs Edwards, who also helps with Jesus Cares’ annual Christmas hamper appeal, as featured in the Argus and funded by the Big Lottery.

“Three hundred will go within 24 hours and the more we can get our hands on the better.”

Unlike their Christmas appeal – which receives palletloads of goods fromgenerous companies and donors – the Easter egg scheme relies solely on donations from individuals and businesses, said Mrs Edwards.

Jesus Cares coordinates with partner organisations across Gwent, who recommend families in need. The eggs are collected until the week before the Easter holidays and then distributed in time for Easter.

“It’s something we have done and wanted to continue, so as part of our funding bid to the Big Lottery we said we would like to be able to do something at Easter time,” said Mrs Edwards.

“We were very conscious that when families have got their budgets so squashed, children go asking for eggs, and you don’t want to be stuck with nothing at Easter time.”

If you or your business can donate an Easter egg or two, drop them at King’s Church in Lower Dock Street, Newport, or call 01633 244453.