CHRISTIAN volunteers are gearing up to bring festive cheer to Halesowen families in need with a Christmas meal and gifts.

Almost 100 people, of all ages, will tuck into traditional fayre at the Hope Centre on Saturday December 21 and will receive presents and selection boxes donated through the centre’s annual appeal.

A further 70 plus presents will be delivered to households in need on the Highfields estate.

Volunteer Camilla Phillips said: “There are so many people in need, people who have lost their jobs and have nothing.

She added: “Everything we do is from a Christian perspective. It’s all about giving and sharing the gift of love, which often gets lost in the commercialism of Christmas.

“We are like a family and we help anyone in need who comes here.”

Industrial services firm Eriks donated 70 parcels to the appeal and Hope helper Sally Noot organised a collection of gifts for teenagers and a group of willing hands to make flower arrangements for the Christmas dining tables.

Miss Phillips added thanks to Eileen and Trevor Fielding, from Dudley Council for Voluntary Service, who transported volunteers to the shops to buy gifts with money from the appeal.

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris and ex Dudley mayor Councillor Melvyn Mottram and his wife Michelle will serve the Christmas dinner, while Belle Vale councillor Jill Nicholls will help deliver the presents.