Larne Foodbank to hold Christmas concert in aid of this year's hamper appeal
Larne Foodbank is to hold a fundraising concert as preparations get underway for the annual Christmas hamper appeal.
Supported by donations of food and finance from local schools, churches, businesses and individuals, this year’s appeal will see foodbank volunteers pack the hampers at Craigyhill Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 9 and deliver them on Wednesday, December 10.
To aid this year’s appeal, there will be a Christmas concert, featuring the ‘Farmers Choir Northern Ireland’, at First Larne Presbyterian Church on Thursday, November 27 at 8pm.
Tickets for the evening, which includes a light supper, cost £15 each and can be obtained from the Foodbank office by telephoning 028 2827 7530 or emailing [email protected].
"By supporting this evening, you will help provide much needed food for those who are affected by food insecurity whilst, at the same time, enjoying an evening with The Farmers Choir NI, who promote the health and well-being of farming and rural communities,” the foodbank said.
"It is hard to believe that in 2025 children and adults are going hungry, but this is the reality of the times we live in. No one knows when they may need the services of their local Foodbank. No one knows what awaits them around the next corner.
"Last Christmas Larne Foodbank, in partnership with Christians Against Poverty and the Sparrow Centre, provided 250 hampers for local families and individuals who would, otherwise, have gone without at Christmas. The hampers provided essential food and toiletries for 393 adults and 365 children who were referred to us for help by 23 different local referral agencies.
"Those of us who are lucky enough will never know the pain and anguish of not being able to put a meal on the table or have their children go to bed hungry. This is the case for many who live in our town. Take a moment to think: this could be someone living right next door to you or a friend who has hit crisis point.”
Among the items needed for hampers are trifle kits, jelly, boxes of biscuits, Christmas puddings, dry rice, tinned ham, Shloer, selection boxes, tinned fruit cocktail, custard, and tubs of sweets, along with mayonnaise, jam, cranberry sauce, instant mash, orange juice, rice pudding, cordial, instant coffee, gravy granules, and ketchup.