Christmas is a difficult time for families in poverty and we try to help wherever we can. Your donations will help Gilesgate Residents Association provide gifts and treats for children in low income households our community.

Gilesgate Residents Association brought together volunteers during the Covid Pandemic to support our community. We distribute donated food and other support across the community to people who are struggling due to social isolation and poverty. Around 50% of children in Gilesgate receive free school meals - an indicator of high levels of poverty.

We set up Slow Cooker Friends to promote healthy meals on a budget and provide struggling families with a slow cooker, recipes and start packs of ingredients.

Our volunteers come from the local churches (Baptist Church, St Josephs, Kings Church, Emmanuel Church), Gilesgate Residents Group, Belmont Labour Branch and Laurel Avenue Community Centre. We work with Feeding Families and the County Durham Food Bank.

Thank you for your support - it's truly appreciated.