URBAN Outreach will be making sure hundreds of families across Bolton will sit down to Christmas dinner this year.

The charity is already making plans to create around 2,000 hampers containing everything you would need for a festive meal.

As the coronavirus pandemic impacts families financially, Urban Outreach is preparing to support more people than usual.

Founder Dave Bagley said: “This year we will still be handing out our Christmas Dinner on Jesus hampers, normally we do about 1,300 but this year we're expecting to give out a lot more.

“What we do not yet know is the impact of furlough in Bolton and what will happen when it comes to an end.

“We are anticipating an increase of 700 hampers, but that is just hazarding a guess. Of course this means we need more people to pledge items and this year has been tough for everything.

“I’m aware folks have felt a pressure to donate to various causes this year and it does take a toll on people’s generosity.

“But what I ask is if just one person pledges one thing, then that can make a huge difference. If we get 2,000 pledges for all the items we need then that’s enough to help around 10,000 people.

“We don’t want it to be a burden, we want people to enjoy giving and we are pushing the power of one.

“One person giving one thing can change somebody’s life.

“The hamper means so much to the recipient, for them it’s like a Christmas gift from not just one person, but from the whole town.

“Having that Christmas dinner means they can take their mind off whatever situation they’re in, it’s a way for the people of Bolton to let them have a nice Christmas.

“If there’s one thing we’ve learnt about Bolton this year, is the resilience of the town is enormous.”

As well as facing an increased demand, Urban Outreach are also limited by coronavirus restrictions, which limits the number of volunteers working at the same time.

Dave said: "In terms of volunteers we are doing well, people are always willing to help us but social distancing does limit what we can do.

“Usually we distribute the food hampers on December 23 and it will be more challenging this year with a larger amount.

“But it is an amazing day, it’s like Christmas before Christmas.”

Each winter the charity ensures that shelter is provided for the most vulnerable in society, however this year their Winter Watch scheme is greatly impeded by coronavirus restrictions.

Dave said: “One thing which is a challenge this year is our Winter Watch scheme. Usually we provide shelter for those who need it during the colder months, however this is extremely difficult to do under Covid regulations.

“We don’t know whether we will experience any cold snaps this year, and likewise we don’t know what tier or lockdown situation we will be in.

“We do have the space to shelter people so we will keep a close eye on the situation and act quickly if anything changes.

“Another aspect we need to take into account is all the places that offer Christmas lunches which will be closed this year."

“I think we will need to be creative and come up with ways not just to feed people this Christmas, but keep them connected too.”