MORE than 35 families living below the poverty line will receive special Christmas hampers made by churches in the Altrincham and Partington area.

Members of Altrincham Baptist Church and People’s Church Partington, which run and support the Altrincham CAP Debt Centre in partnership with national charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP), have filled hampers with food, toys and other essentials to deliver across the community. They have been supported by the generosity of the Hub Community Centre users as well as supermarkets who have offered food donations.

Claire Gregory, Altrincham CAP debt centre manager, said: “We know there is a serious need among some of the people in our care.

"It’s really tough living on a low income and many of the people we are working with have a list of other difficulties too, such as ill health, joblessness and grief. It’s great to be able to say to people that however impossible their financial situation seems, we will be able to help them to become debt free.

"Christmas on a very tight budget can be a very difficult time – it’s a huge privilege to be able to lighten the load just a little.”

She added that their faith is the reason for their generosity and that giving to others is a great way to celebrate Christmas.

She said that she and her debt centre team visit every client in their home, helping people across the Altrincham and Partington areas. Meanwhile, CAP’s head office negotiates with each person’s creditors and local volunteers offer support to each person until they become debt free.

Claire said: “If you know you are already in crisis, please get in touch via our website capuk.org, or by calling our freephone number 0800 328 0006. We’d love to visit and help you.”