Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen working to help those in need this winter

As the cold weather and festive season is soon to be underway, concerns around staying warm and fed are unfortunately a factor that many people must consider.

Fortunately, the City of Sunderland takes its sense of community seriously when it comes to looking out for each other and great work from the Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen (SCSK) ensures people have a safe place to turn throughout the whole year.

From using donations to help those in need to hosting community drop-in sessions the SCSK are active in creating a safe space for all.

Image credit: Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen

Unfunded, the SCSK relies on the kindness and generosity of those willing to help. Ashleigh Richardson, Revenue and Development Officer said: “Everything we do is made possible by the incredible people, businesses, and community groups of this city. Their generosity and compassion are what keep our doors open all year round. It honestly brings me to tears on a regular basis to see the love, care, and kindness that flow through Sunderland. The people here never hesitate to step up for one another, and that’s what makes our community so special.”

As Christmas fast approaches another way that SCSK help is by creating Christmas Sweet Treat Boxes, this is a box that is filled with sweet treats and long life ‘Christmassy’ items to help make someone’s Christmas this year. They have also been asked by a local group to help with children’s boxes this year too and Olwyn Ford, Volunteer Trustee for the SCSK said: “It’s that fabulous time of year again! Giving is what we all try to do in the festive season, this year has flown over for me. I know we ask a lot sometimes but it’s what the staff and fantastic volunteers manage to ‘create’ with the donations we receive. It’s magical.”

There are lots of ways to donate or help with the fantastic work they are doing and more information on how you can get involved can be found on their Facebook page.