Sunday at St John’s Church saw the congregation celebrate a century-old tradition of giving thanks for a successful harvest and food grown on the land.
The service, led by Reverend Carol Harris, explained how, now that we are approaching winter, we give thanks for all the good and positive things in people’s lives such as friends and family. The church was beautifully decorated with baskets and tables of food ready to be distributed to the local community.
This year saw Shildon’s three primary schools; St John’s, Timothy Hackworth and Thornhill generously give tins and packaged food to continue the harvest tradition.
Rev. Carol explained to the congregation how this food was such a blessing to our families, who can visit Shildon Alive to receive a food parcel to help them when they are most in need. She especially thanked the children’s parents and parishioners who selflessly give from their own cupboards to help others.
Paula Nelson, founder of Shildon Alive said: “Shildon Alive arose from a meeting back in 2014 here at St John’s where 22 of us got together to discuss how to help Shildon families who were suffering everyday hardships, yet had to travel outside the area to get support when there should be something here to access.
“We are so grateful for this donation that will be added to our food bank and in turn give help right to the heart of this community.”
From July last year to July this year, Shildon Alive has already helped over 3,000 Shildon residents and families providing a food parcel from their food bank.
That’s a total of over 11,000 meals that families might have missed without their help.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
