Christmas Day

Christmas Day can be an especially painful time for those who do not have loved ones to share it with. We recognise how just a little gesture can make a big difference to someone's day, and also be a great blessing to our volunteers!

In 2018 Silver Cord had their first Christmas Day event. Held at Hope Community Church in Mottram, Greater Manchester, the day was for any any person who would have otherwise spent Christmas alone. The event was a resounding success with 65 attendees, including volunteers, enjoying a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.

Once lockdown happened then face-to-face support had to be replaced with telephone calls. However, lockdown did lead to Silver Cord having more churches partnering with us so that in 2020 we were able to deliver over 100 dinners and gift bags to the people in the community who would have had no other contact on Christmas Day.

In 2021 we delivered to 110 people and in 2022, 120 people benefited from the Christmas Day delivery, thanks to the kindness of church volunteers, local caterers and gift bag donations from the general public.

Here are some of the comments that we received from those who have shared Christmas Day with us over the years:

"They made my day, made my Christmas, and I want to cry tears of joy."

"Thank you and thank you again. I didn’t have a Christmas until you arrived at the door".

"I was feeling a bit weepy not seeing anyone for a few days and feeling really alone, but your volunteer really cheered me up. I feel a bit weepy now, but in a happy way at the thought that someone cares enough to take care to assemble and deliver to me on such a special day, and give up their time too. Thank you so very very much from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all xx"

"Having received it last year I realised It's a phenomenal service. I really do understand the value it - you would not believe how much it meant.
I suffer with suicidal thoughts. I couldn't believe how much it helped. I think I'd even say it saved my life."

"My first Christmas Dinner in 28 years!"

"I love turkey, but haven't cooked it for years. I was so over-joyed to be able to eat it again, it made my year!"