11th December 2024
Sanctuary Supported Living
River Church member Ellen Steensma and Sanctuary staff Simona Miseviciute and Katie Millar with the donated Bags of Kindness Christmas gifts.
People living at two Ipswich supported housing services are set for a more festive Christmas, after receiving a generous donation of Christmas gifts and treats from a local church for the second year in a row.
Residents of Cavendish Lodge and Withipoll Street received a total of 35 donated gift bags from members of River Church, who have been taking part in the 'Love Christmas' campaign. The campaign is a national initiative where members of churches and other local organisations reach out to neighbours and strangers to share generosity and the warmth of connection. By donating 'Bags of Kindness' to people who need them most, they help bring joy at Christmas.
Staff at Cavendish Lodge and Withipoll Street provide accommodation and personalised support for people who would otherwise be homeless or at risk of homelessness, encouraging them to develop the skills and confidence they need to be able to move on and live independently in their own home.
"The members of River Church have been so generous in donating these bags of food and treats to our customers for the second year running"
This year’s bags of kindness contained festive food and warm slippers, as well as toiletries and other self-care products, ensuring not only a festive Christmas period for the people who received them, but also ensuring that they feel valued by members of their local community.
Katie Millar, a Project Worker at the services, said: "The members of River Church have been so generous in donating these bags of food and treats to our customers for the second year running. This can be a very challenging time for the people we support, as they can’t afford to treat themselves to nice food or gifts, especially with the cost-of-living crisis hitting harder than ever.
“It really means a lot that local people have supported our services like this, helping to spread some joy at Christmas, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their kindness.”
For more information about Sanctuary Supported Living’s services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, see our latest news or find a service near you.
