THE spirit of Christmas is alive and well in West Somerset – that is the message from food bank organisers, who say they have been overwhelmed and amazed by people’s generosity in donating.

The Rev Ann Gibbs, co-ordinator of the West Somerset Food Cupboard, said they had packed around 160 special Christmas boxes to go alongside the standard food boxes the organisation prepares, just in the two week run-up to Christmas.

“It’s amazing how people have responded in the last few weeks and the amounts of stuff that have come in. We have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity,” she said.

“I take my hat off to all the volunteers, who have worked really hard – it’s been very busy.

“Hopefully, no-one who needs extra help, has been missed.”

She said the boxes were picked up by various agencies for distribution, and everyone from local businesses to churches and individuals had been “brilliant” in co-ordinating donations.

“It’s staggering how many people have been in touch, asking if they can help – it indicates just how much people in our communities care,” Rev Ann said.

The food is packed at St Michael the Archangel Church in Alcombe, and she said the Christmas boxes contained all the little extras, from sweets and biscuits to chutneys and other treats.

There had been many more boxes going out over Christmas in the last few years, especially now that the Quantock Food Bank had started too, she said.

Marlene Mason, secretary of the Quantock Food Bank which started in October and is based in Watchet, said she had been astonished at the generosity of everyone in the area.

“The donations have been pouring in, and the thing I find humbling is that many donors have so little themselves, yet are still willing to share with others – that is the heart of Christmas,” she said.