NEARLY 200 of people in the Crediton area are going to have a happier Christmas, thanks to other people's generosity.

The Crediton Food Bank, a collaboration between all the churches in Crediton and the surrounding area supports families all year round with food donations.

This year, in addition, the Crediton Food Bank has been able to give 60 individuals and their families Christmas hampers, complete with vouchers to enable them to buy meat at a local butcher's shop.

Crediton Food Bank co-ordinator, Wendy Brown, said that the response from those who received gifts of Christmas hampers was "touching".

She explained: "The people receiving the hampers have been quite overwhelmed.

"The agencies we deal with have also said that giving the hampers is of a practical help and also boosts the self-esteem of many of the recipients.

"It has also had benefits that some people have offered to volunteer with the churches.

"It is really touching, when you deliver or give out the Christmas hampers because, they are appreciated so much.

"We have even included wrapped presents for the children, too, where able."

Wendy added that many of the hampers were for families of up to four or five people.

She explained that the number of people who would be receiving extra Christmas cheer through the donations would be almost 200 in total.

The Crediton Food Bank helps people who are suffering due to a number of circumstances.

Perhaps the main earner in the family has lost their job and government benefits have not yet come through.

Maybe debts have been escalating and now, with rising bills and food prices, those debts have spiralled out of control.

They may even have lost their home.

Or, perhaps, domestic violence and abuse is the reason for their desperation?

The Crediton Food Bank has helped many families for these reasons alone.

In its first year the bank has helped more than 90 families in the area and provided food for many children so that they have not had to go to school with an empty stomach.

Wendy added: "Everyone thinks that Christmas is wonderful, but it is a difficult time for families that are struggling and the churches are able to offer help through the Food Bank."

She added: "People can donate non-perishable foods like pasta or tinned foods, toiletries, washing powder, toilet rolls, nappies, baby food or pet food."

The way the scheme operates is through a voucher system for any family or individual experiencing financial hardship.

People are not able to self-refer but can get vouchers from various agencies, including the Citizens' Advice Bureau, the Children's Centre, health visitors, housing associations, the mental health team at Hillbank, school nurses or counselling services.