CHRISTMAS spirit was in abundance in Gwent this December it seems as Argus readers helped donate more than 2,500 hampers to needy familes.

The Argus teamed up with the King's Church, Newport who give out food hampers through its Jesus Cares project all year round.

But to help give their Christmas donations a boost, we appealed to Argus readers and supporters to get in on the act and give something back to the community this year.

Jesus Cares co-ordinator Faye Edwards is delighted with the success of the appeal and said: "We would like to thank all of the readers and businesses for their overwhelming support in donating christmassy food treats to go in Jesus Cares food hampers this year.

"Because of your generosity, this Christmas we have be able to give nearly 2500 food hampers to families and individuals across South Wales, who struggle to find money to feed themselves and their children.

"For those receiving these hampers, it will undoubtedly be a huge blessing for them to see that as well as essential food items, that there are Christmas goodies that they can enjoy.

"This Christmas we have given 1000 more hampers than last year. It really has been amazing to see what has been achieved with the added support and involvement of our community getting behind the work of Jesus Cares.

"Working together, this Christmas we have been able to make a difference in helping to bring joy to the lives of others and showing that we really do care."

As well as the companies who donated food, a £1,000 donation from Newport Transport was the icing on the cake for the Jesus Cares project, who are putting the money towards buying a van to carry out its deliveries all year round.

Many thanks to the following companies who gave donations to the Argus Christmas Hamper Appeal: Co op; Thomas, Carroll (brokers) limited; The Celtic Manor Resort; Unilever- Pot Noodle; Real Crisp; Halo foods; Fareshare Cymru; Whittle court sheltered housing; Hasbro; Ringland Senior Citizens Club; Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Teyrnon; Newport-based plastic pipe manufacturer Asset International; Acorn Recruitment; Clarks UK Ltd; MolsonCoors; Brace's Bakery; Effective Communication; Working Word PR and all the other organisations and individuals who gave so generously to this good cause.

The Jesus Cares project has given out more than 12,000 food hampers in the last year alone and relies on donations and volunteers.

If you would like to find out more about the work they do, make a donation or volunteer your services, email jesuscares@kings-church.org.uk or call 01633 244453.