Christmas Foodbank Parcels 2024

Would you like to support the Ash Villages Food Parcels Project this Christmas? We are appealing for Christmas essentials ( veggies, potatoes, chickens or trukeys, gravy granules), Christmas treats (biscuits, mince pies, puddings, custard, crisps, crackers, sweets, etc), winter warmers for the adults (hot water bottles, gloves, hats, socks, blankets etc),  and new toys & games for the children (art materials, new toys, family games etc). Anything you are able to give will be gratefully received on or before Sunday 15th December.

We really appreciate your generosity, as it really does make a huge difference to the local people we support. If you like, why not make it into an advent calendar? Put one item per day in a box during Advent and bring the box once it is full? Contact the Project Manager or drop your donations off at The Chapel on Wednesdays 9am-2.30pm in term time when she is in. We do need all Christmas items by Sunday 15th December please to be in time for the parcels to go out.

We really appreciate funds donations too, as this enabls us to fill any gaps and buy things to finish off each parcel. Your funds will buy meat or veggies or whatever we are missing once all the donations have been counted on the 15th December. This is the donations link: https://givealittle.co/c/3ijYS6zC4gbOGqwer2tmdY

Whatever you decide to do this year, whether you donate some items, send funds, or give us your prayer support, we do thank you as it all makes a difference.

If you are a local business, scout group, team, group of friends, school, book club etc and would like to sponsor a specific item (e.g. 60 puddings or 60 tubs of chocolates, 60 tins of custard…. we would love to hear from you! We would be happy to put a sticker “merry christmas from xyz” if you would like to sponsor a specific item in each parcel.

Thank you for your support!

With lots of love and our best wishes from the Ash Villages Food Parcels Team.

Do you need to make a referral? If you are an agency and wish to add a household to our parcels list this Christmas please contact the Project Team on 07730 609446. We take referrals from local churches, citizens advice, local schools, social services, Homestart, health visitors, and similar agencies. We cover Ash, Ash Vale, Ash Green and Tongham. The cut-off for Christmas Referrals is Sunday 15th December.

What’s on? Your regular events at a glance

(Dec 2020 / Jan 2021)

Sunday services 10am: Weekly church service (in person or on Zoom) at St Mary’s. Email parishoffice@ash-vale.org.uk for the link or text 07730609446 (zoom only during lockdown)

Monday Coffee Zoom 11am: Join the #ChapelKids and #LittleLambsLibrary parents & carers for a coffee chat online via zoom. No agenda just a chance to chat, offload, and share a laugh. Text Alex for the link 07730 609446 All welcome.

Wednesday Toddlers 11:30am: #ChapelKids & #LittleLambsLibrary are getting together outdoors (with social distancing) weather permitting, and on zoom if wet. You can also join our Facebook Messenger chat to keep in touch and find others to meet up with. Contact Alex on 07730 609446 for details (zoom only during lockdown).

Wednesday Evensong 8pm on Zoom, contact parishoffice@ash-vale.org.uk for details and zoom links.

Wednesday Chapel Craft 8pm-10pm at The Chapel on Wharf Rd or via Zoom, contact Kirsty for details. Kirsty.denman@googlemail.com (zoom only during lockdown)

San Rocco Chapel Art Club meets on Zoom on Thursdays. Contact Rev Neil for the link. revneil@me.com

Thursdays 10:30am-12:00 Baby Plus  at St Paul’s Tongham with Claire via zoom online. Singing, chat and activity ideas. For details contact: communityworker@stpaulstongham.org.uk

Thursday Café at St Mary’s 10:30am Please let us know you are coming so we can put out enough seats  revneil@me.com  (Closed during lockdown but get in touch and we will let you know when we re-open)

Thursday Alpha Course at St Mary’s: An opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a small group, and ask questions! Contact Jackie for details 07863 311165  (via zoom only during lockdown)

Film Fridays at The Chapel 6.30pm — contact revneil@me.com for details & booking — numbers are limited so booking is essential. (Closed during lockdown but join the email list for news once we reopen)