WITH Christmas just five weeks away, the King’s Church, Newport has launched its annual Jesus Cares campaign to provide food hampers to hundreds of Gwent families who are struggling to make ends meet.

The Argus has again teamed up with the project to encourage as many readers and local businesses to help out and to raise the profile of the charitable work the church does throughout the year.

Last Christmas, the campaign, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, provided 3,300 food hampers for distribution in six geographical areas in South Wales, including Newport, Blaenau Gwent, and Torfaen.

The hampers are made up of non-perishable foods, such as rice and pasta, but we are looking for Christmas treats that will make each hamper extra special this year.

Faye Edwards, co-ordinator of Jesus Cares, has appealed to local businesses and organisations to get involved to help match, or even exceed, last year’s total.

She said: “The packing has already started so we have a chance to get them out there. We’re making hampers for delivery to local organisations and those deliveries will start at the end of November or early December.

“If we get the donations, we hope to get 4,000 food hampers out there this year and we’re waiting on present numbers. Last year, we sent out 1,000 presents and Hasbro will supply a selection of presents this year.

“Our focus is on the support from organisations and there are around 200 of them. We then distribute to those in need and we have the capacity to deliver a large volume of goods.

“It is also possible for businesses to write a cheque to us and we could then buy a lot more food than could be possible for them through a shop.”

Mrs Edwards added that last year’s appeal was particularly short on toys for those aged three and under, which have to be brand new for safety reasons.

If you would like to support our appeal, contact Ciaran Kelly on 01633 777087 or e-mail ciaran.kelly@gwent-wales.co.uk