Exeter Church gives hampers to people in real need during Cost of Living Crisis
An Exeter which gives out Christmas Hampers to people in the area who are struggling, says it has been encountering people in real desperate situations due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Rediscover Church, located at Haven Banks, Exeter (the former Range Store), has been distributing hampers for the past eight years to individuals, couples, and families facing financial hardship, unemployment, or difficult circumstances such as bereavement.
Even before the Christmas rush, the church say they were already approached by local charities and schools seeking help for struggling households. This demand highlights the growing impact of the cost-of-living crisis in Exeter, which is leaving many households anxious about the festive season. Rising food prices, increased heating costs, and additional financial pressures during the school holidays are exacerbating the strain on families.
Messages received by the church underscore the severity of the situation. Families are finding it harder to afford essential groceries, with the rising cost of a weekly shop pushing many into financial distress.
Throughout the Christmas Hamper Project, the church has partnered with primary and secondary schools in Exeter, as well as organisations like Home Start, YMCA Exeter, Young Carers, Fearfree. Exeter City Council and local GP surgeries – all to help identify those in need. These partnerships ensure hampers are delivered to households experiencing the greatest challenges during Christmas.
Each of the 450 hampers being given out this year, contains staple items such as pasta, beans, soup, tea, coffee, and cereal, alongside festive treats like mince pies, sweets and chocolates. These hampers, costing £30 each, are largely funded by the church congregation’s generous donations.
The Project is an extension of the church’s heart for the local community and an expression of their faith to support the marginalised and provide an extended hand who might feel alone or in desperate need this Christmas.
Jason Ham, Operations Coordinator at Rediscover Church, said: “Each year, we see the difference these hampers make to people’s lives. When we deliver them, we often meet individuals who are overwhelmed with gratitude, with some even breaking down in tears at the door. This year, as we’re distributing the hampers, we’re meeting people in such challenging situations, they’re worried that the finances won’t stack up this Christmas, and they can’t believe a local church has taken the time to put together a lovely hamper and delivered it to their door with such kindness.
Our congregation has always been incredibly generous, and this year has been no different. It’s a mammoth effort from the community with food and financial donations, packers and car drivers. All the team have done tremendous work yet again, and we’re thankful for every one of them”.
To donate towards this appeal visit www.rediscoverchurch.com/hampers
