Dereham churches give free festive hampers

The kindness and generosity of two Dereham churches have enabled local Debt Centre clients to receive Christmas Hampers, which also included grocery vouchers.

The campaign was organised by Dereham CAP Debt Centre, run by Christians Against Poverty in partnership with Dereham Baptist Church. Members of Dereham Baptist and Wellspring Family Churches were asked to make hampers for all households the centre has worked with in 2023 and they were inundated with offers.
 
All volunteers were given basic demographics about the households and, for equity, a suggestion of how much to spend. Chocolates, biscuits, socks, mugs, small luxuries, and toys were often included. A grant from the Household Support Fund (Norfolk Community Foundation) meant that gift cards to help with the groceries bill at Christmas were added to the 29 hampers alongside Christmas cards and invitations to local events.
 
Morgan Cockbill, Debt Centre Manager, says, “As the hampers began to be returned we saw some lovely thoughtful gifts - not easy when you don’t even know the name of the person.”
 
Messages received back from recipients included: “I’ve just got home and seen the amazing parcel! Thank you soooo much! It's much appreciated” and “Thank you so much for the lovely surprise parcel. It is so generous and perfectly timed. I keep thinking about what you said about giving it to me as love and it certainly feels that way”
 
The Debt Centre has had a busy year, with 21 new referrals, 4 households declared debt free and 15 progressing through the CAP process. 17 people accepted prayer in their home. Morgan says, “It definitely isn't all about numbers, but staff and volunteers at the centre are encouraged to know they are having a positive impact in people’s lives.”
 
Those struggling to repay debts should call 0800 328 0006 to self-refer for debt help. (The phone lines will close for Christmas from 23 December and re-open on 2 January.). CAP debt services are free, and available for those in postcodes NR19 and NR20. Other postcodes are covered by other centres in Norfolk.

Visit capuk.org for more info
 
The photo of some of the Christmas hampers is courtesy of Dereham Debt Centre.

Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in Mid Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.