27/12/2010 - Serving Up Cheer with Plus Dane Group

Branch Manager David Peet and Customer Advisor Gill Taylor joined in the annual festivities for homeless families and vunerable people on the 27th December organised by Plus Dane Group and the New Life Church.

Throughout December the Congleton branch had been a drop-off point for christmas presents and non-perishable food which was wrapped and given out by Santa to the attendees.

Gill Taylor said 'it was very humbling to see that out of approximately thirty five children ranging in ages from three weeks to fifteen years of age, only five had actually received a gift on Christmas day!  The children's faces when they received their presents and saw what was inside was amazing.  It was an incredible afternoon and I felt very lucky to be a part of it.  Everyone had worked so hard to make this a fantastic party and had been very generous in their time and donations'

Housing Manager Sharon Smith who with her twelve year old son also gave her free time commented that many of the people at the event had been through traumas including mums who flee domestic violence and others that had been made homeless.

The New Life Church parishioners had donated all the food and drink and also their time to cook and serve the meal.  Games were organised for the children and a mini nativity was performed together with carol singing.

Both David and Gill said that this is something they want to be involved with for years to come as it is certainly giving something back to the local community.