Second Helpings provides 270 free meals to people in Stamford

Volunteers at Second Helpings served up a large portion of Christmas spirit to people in Stamford.

On Christmas Day more than 270 free meals and treats packages were given to residents in the town who otherwise would not have been able to enjoy a Christmas dinner.

Each person received a meal with turkey and all the trimmings, a dessert, Christmas crackers, mince pies, crisps and other seasonal goodies.

Caroline La Niece, head of communications at Second Helpings, said that the day ‘went fantastically’ and recipients were ‘thrilled’ with their meals.

She said: “Normally we have meals for about 90 people so to do 270 is quite an achievement.

“People aren’t able to spend time with family and quite a lot of customers were more vulnerable and weren’t able to travel as it’s too risky.

“Some families have also been affected by redundancies and furlough.

“It’s a choice between getting their kids presents and cooking a meal so we wanted to help families and give them a better Christmas than they would have had.”

The team utilised the new kitchen, which was recently installed at Second Helpings in Barn Hill, during the operation.

Support Our Stamford and The Evergreen Care Trust worked with more than 30 Second Helpings volunteers to deliver the meals.

Presents were also gifted to each of the families.

“We’ve had a brilliant response - they were thrilled,” said Caroline.

“It was quite a surprise as they were expecting food but not the presents.”

Determined not to let Covid-19 ruin the social aspect of the day, a Zoom call was held for people to catch up as well as take part in a raffle and festive quiz.

The Second Helpings bunker remains open each week from Tuesday to Saturday.