Volunteers needed to deliver Christmas dinner and spread festive cheer

Thrum Hall Methodist Church Christmas Day Dinner in 2016

Volunteers are needed to help spread some festive cheer to those who wouldn’t see or talk to anyone that day, by delivering Christmas meals and driving them to and from a party at Thrum Hall Methodist Church.

Last year, 300 Christmas dinners were sent out into the community from the church, and Marilyn Jones, who is leading the event, anticipates more of the same this year.

The annual Christmas Day party – on hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid – will also be reinstated, taking place from 12.30pm to around 2.30pm.

Marilyn said: “We need people to help deliver meals, bring guests to the party and/or take them home too, and people to come to the party, serve meals, chat to guests and help wash up and tidy up afterwards.

“We hope to start delivering meals from 11.15am to 12.30pm. We need people to pick guests up between 11.45am and 12.30pm. If you can help with delivering guests home after the party, this will probably be around 2.30pm.

“If you feel you can help with any of these, please, please get in touch.”

This year, due to safeguarding regulations from the church, anyone wishing to volunteer is asked to bring a current DBS certificate with them. If you don’t have one, you may be asked to sign a declaration upon arrival.

Where possible, volunteers are also asked to deliver meals in pairs. Meals will be delivered across Rochdale, Littleborough, Milnrow, Castleton, Heywood, Middleton, Whitworth, Bacup, Waterfoot and Oldham.

Marilyn added: “In anticipation, thanks so much. Every year, you wonderful volunteers absolutely make this event so successful, and every year, we have so many volunteers saying the same thing - that it’s made their Christmas so much more meaningful and special.”

If you think you can help, please contact Marilyn on maz_jones59@yahoo.co.uk.