Holiday Hardship: Community Volunteers Provide Essential Support

For many, the Christmas season signifies abundance and generosity, involving festive food and gifts for loved ones. However, for others, it represents a period of significant pressure and hardship. The Trussell Trust reported that over 3.1 million emergency food parcels were distributed across the UK from April 2023 to March 2024, indicating that the demand for assistance persists through the holiday period. In Armthorpe, a sizable village situated east of Doncaster, numerous volunteers are actively preparing food parcels for families facing difficulties. Annually, the Armthorpe Food Support Group extends its efforts, supplementing standard household necessities with holiday treats and presents in their packages. The local community center has transformed into a bustling hub, featuring extensive trestle tables laden with items ranging from small gifts to large cuts of gammon. The organization has also enlisted assistance from players of the Doncaster Knights rugby league team. Julie Outhwaite, a weekly volunteer, is meticulously following a detailed set of instructions. She stated, “We have a list here with the family details and ages of the children,” adding, “There’s presents for boys, different ones for girls, all for different ages.” Outhwaite further explained, “Each family gets a huge amount; pork pie, cheese, a box of biscuits, everything you like at Christmas.” Janet is one recipient of these substantial packages. As a single mother raising two teenagers with special needs and a younger son who experiences breathing difficulties, she indicated the necessity of making concessions. She explained, “My little-un has asthma, but trying to keep the house warm 24/7 so he doesn’t always get breathless just can’t be done. “I have to limit the heating to when he gets up and when he comes back from school.” Tim Needham is responsible for delivering the essential parcel to Janet. Wearing a distinctive festive jumper, he found it challenging to see past the numerous shopping bags and gifts packed into his car boot. Needham commented, “It is about bringing joy. If people need support and help, it’s our privilege to help and spread some Christmas spirit.” Upon receiving the gifts from him, Janet displayed clear happiness. She shared, “My lad unwrapped a hoodie last year and he still wears it. He loves it,” adding, “I was embarrassed to ask for this two years ago. But I’m so glad I did. I’m so grateful for all this.” Over the last year, the Armthorpe Food Support Group has distributed parcels to almost 1,500 households. Chris Broadhurst-Brown is overseeing operations at the hall, directing volunteers, guiding them to particular groceries, distributing shopping lists, and ensuring her team receives tea and mince pies. Broadhurst-Brown stated, “People in poverty were hit disproportionately by inflation, they are struggling to survive, it’s all about day-to-day feeding families.” She emphasized, “We don’t means test here, we make it as simple and unobtrusive as possible.” She further instructed, “I tell our volunteers all the time, be kind and non-judgemental. These are our neighbours.” Broadhurst-Brown mentioned that the group typically has over 30 consistent volunteers, a figure that nearly doubles during the Christmas period. Connor Davidson, a Doncaster Knights player currently sidelined by injury, dedicated his morning to loading a substantial quantity of bags into vehicles for delivery. Davidson remarked, “It’s the least I could do,” adding, “At the end of the day we’re a community club. These people pay our wages.” Continuing his route, Tim was making his fourth delivery of the morning. Ann, a widower who has utilized the service for several years, had a Christmas card prepared for his arrival. Tim noted, “It’s about consistency, recognising a friendly face. If we need to we can refer on to other agencies.” Ann answered the door, dressed in multiple fleeces. She stated, “It’s a big help this. It means, we’ll have a nice Christmas,” explaining, “Since my husband died, I still have to pay the mortgage. The bills don’t stop. I only put the heating on to have a bath, otherwise we wrap up warm.” Returning to the hall, the trestle tables were almost cleared following the team’s diligent work, though Chris Broadhurst-Brown remained actively engaged. She commented, “We’re nearly there. I just need to see if anything’s gone wrong, but I feel slightly relieved,” adding, “I’m thrilled with the volunteers, they’ve done such a fabulous job.” Content that their task was complete, she announced that the team, who typically convene on Thursdays, would take the following week off. She reasoned, “I don’t think we’d get enough volunteers on Boxing Day. “But we’ve looked after people though. This’ll see them through.”