Church volunteers send out hundreds of Easter bags after social media nominations

A SOCIAL media appeal for people to be nominated to receive an Easter gift led to more than 1,000 being sent out – including overseas.

A 50-strong team of volunteers from Avon Valley Churches spent hours filling bags with goodies including chocolate eggs and craft work before being distributed to nurseries, schools, home learning groups and individuals.

Most were delivered in the Fordingbridge area, but after the social media post took off there were also requests for bags nationally and internationally.

The army of volunteers who created the gifts were joined by Canon Gary Philbrick on deliveries to local schools.

Together with the Cottage Loaf bakery in Fordingbridge, the churches also dropped off 1,000 hot cross buns to the Burgate School and Sixth Form in the town.

The Easter gift bags were the latest in a host of outreach projects the churches have undertaken during lockdown. They also created Christmas in a bag along with delivering cupcakes to care homes and local schools.

Avon Valley Churches youth, children and family’s development worker, Jo Heath, who co-ordinated each project, said: “A huge thank you to Gail in the office and the amazing team of volunteer helpers and drivers.

“We could not have done it without their commitment, enthusiasm and encouragement.”

In Pennington, All Saints Church made deliveries to members of its luncheon club, assisted by the Easter bunny. The team delivered 36 lunch boxes to those who would normally meet at the WI hall for a special meal.

A club spokesperson said: “One lady who is in her 90s said it was just the tonic she needed and thanked the All Saints Luncheon Club for their kindness and support.”