THE KING’S Church is gearing up for its Newport deliveries next week with over a thousand hampers planned to be given to those in need.

Christmas hamper deliveries for the King’s ChurchJesus Cares Campaign are already underway with over a thousand deliveries coming to agencies throughout Newport from December 2.

Jesus Cares funded by the Big Lottery Fund started in 2009 as a result of community organisations contacting the Kings Church to ask for food for families they were working with, who had no money to feed their children.

The Argus has got on board with the project again this year to try and raise the profile of the work already carried out by the church, based at Lower Dock Street, Newport, and encourage as many readers and local businesses as possible to support the campaign this Christmas.

Jesus Cares has already distributed 2,000 food hampers to agencies across Gwent including Teen Challenge, Solace, Gwent Probation, and Big Issue, who will disperse the hampers to clients in need; with the aim of delivering over 3,000 hampers to those in need across Gwent.

The food hampers will be delivered to various agencies across Newport this week, including Gwent Police, Serennu, and Gaer Community Centre.

Marcia Clement of Jesus Cares said: “We are very excited about our Newport deliveries next week and we are really grateful to the Argus and their readers who have taken on this little gem and are running with it.

“A lot of people have pride and they don’t want to ask for help but at the same time they are struggling.

“The request for supplies far outweighs our ability to meet the demand so we need your support to meet that demand.

“Agencies are pivotal for us as people are not just being given a hand out they are being given a help up at the same time.”

The hampers are made up of non-perishable foods but Jesus Cares is looking for Christmas treats that will make each hamper extra special this year.

Items that we are looking for you to donate include: Christmas puddings, mince pies, chocolate, biscuits, crisps, pickled onions, red cabbage, tinned soups or any other food item that will keep throughout the festive period.

The King's Church is also looking for any businesses and volunteers that may be able to donate goods for the appeal or help pack up the hampers.

The Argus would like you to help spread the word of this worthy campaign and encourage your workplace, school, office or factory to set aside a box for staff and pupils to bring in their donations.

In return, we plan to feature those who support us and carry updates in the run up to Christmas.

So next time you pop to the supermarket, pick up a few extra items for our appeal and pop them into the King’s Church office on 71 Lower Dock Street, Newport.

We are also looking for businesses who would like to donate items to get in touch.

The church will be holding a packing and gift wrapping event on December 5 at 7.30pm if you would like to turn up and volunteer contact the office on 01633 244453.

If you would like to support our appeal, contact Sophie Brownson on 01633 777247 or email sophie.brownson@southwalesargus.co.uk.

Or contact Paul Carey on 01633 777 221 or paul.carey@gwent-wales.co.uk for more details.