Fordingbridge churches give out 'Christmas in a Bag' to local children
The team from Avon Valley Churches have created 1,000 of them
Last updated 10th Dec 2020
The Youth, Children and Families team from the New Forest churches have been busy little elves and are now ready to hand out the bags to local schools, toddler groups and nurseries.
They contain Christmas themed crafts and activities for children up to the age of 13 to get involved with.
The churches will then put instructions on what to do with them on the Avon Valley Churches Facebook page and YouTube channel from 21st December.
Children can have a go at craft activities from the 21st to 23rd December, with a streamed Christingle service on Christmas Eve and a symbolic present for Christmas Day.
The idea's been put together following the success of their 'Messy Church in a Bag' scheme, which ran during the October half term.
Jo Heath, Children and Families Development Worker for Avon Valley Churches, said:
"We want to show that Christmas isn't cancelled and we have decided to do it differently this year at Avon Valley Churches. We are reminding people that all those things that have always been important to them still are, and we invite you to celebrate this special time of year with us in your homes."
Canon Gary Philbrick blessed more than 200 bags live on Facebook to start off the scheme, before they were delivered to children at Forres Sandle Manor School in Sandleheath (pictured top).
The remaining 800 bags will be delivered this week to local schools:
- Fordingbridge Infants and Juniors
- Hyde Church of England Primary School
- Breamore Church of England Primary School
- Hale Church of England Primary School
Packs will also be given to nurseries, toddler groups and other children and families in the area.