About 85 meals will be delivered to the doors of older and vulnerable people in the Harrogate district on Christmas Day.
Harrogate and Ripon Food Angels has been providing meals since 2012 but this is the first time it is providing the service on December 25.
Staff and volunteers dressed festively will cook, pack and deliver a traditional Christmas dinner, Christmas pudding, mince pie and a cracker for those in need of a meal and some cheer.
Harrogate and Ripon Food Angels is part of Harrogate Neighbours, a charity that cares for older people.
It cooks 100 to 150 meals daily at its Starbeck base for beneficiaries, whose needs have been assessed.
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In previous years, the food angels have delivered double their daily quota of meals on Christmas Eve to prepare people for Christmas Day.
But Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours, told the Stray Ferret this year’s long Christmas bank holiday weekend meant some people would be alone for long periods, hence the decision to venture out on the 25th.
She added:
“Our priority is to tackle social isolation and to support those most in need in our community all year around, but particularly on special occasions.
“When we received the requests for our meals on wheels service to run on Christmas Day, we quickly reached out to some volunteers who agreed without hesitation to deliver meals on the day.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have such dedicated and supportive volunteers and we look forward to feeding the community and spreading some Christmas joy to those who may be on their own for the first time this Christmas.”
To volunteer to deliver meals, or to support Harrogate Neighbours through donating, fundraising, sponsoring an event or to join the team, visit www.hnha.co.uk or call 01423 888777.
