Despite an increase in need for their services and decrease in donations, the centre will continue to remain open and offer even more support over the festive period to ensure those who need support the most will receive it.
Earlier this month, staff put out an appeal on their social media to try to help boost donations of food items to their food bank. Struggling families are turning to the centre to receive emergency food as they cannot afford the essentials. Over Christmas, the centre will host a range of events to support the community.
Over 300 people visited on Tuesday 17 to enjoy a free hot 3-course meal and Christmas Dinner bags, hampers and gifts will continue to be distributed throughout the month of December.
Centre Manager at St Vincent’s Newcastle, Rebecca Stevenson-Read, spoke about challenging times the centre is currently facing.
“Like most other charities out there, we are struggling to stay open. We need more donations, more food, more volunteers, more help,” she said. “The increase in demand continues but donations and help is decreasing.
"We are doing everything we can to help those locally who simply do not have anywhere else to turn, but we are struggling to keep up with the amount of people who need our help.”
The charity recently launched its annual Christmas Campaign to help keep the Doors of Hope open this winter season.
Anyone wishing to donate directly to the Newcastle centre can do so by following this link: https://fundraising.svp.org.uk/page/158852/donate/1