A CHARITY that helps homeless people and families in need has paid tribute to the heart-warming generosity of Hereford Times readers.

We had asked people to donate to our Christmas Appeal 2021.

Their money paid for parcels for those who would have struggled to buy the foods and treats most of us enjoy during the festivities.

And just before Christmas Eve we were able to announce that we had reached our £2,000 target, which paid for 70 parcels.

Hereford Times: Volunteers prepare festive parcels for families in need at the Living Room, HerefordVolunteers prepare festive parcels for families in need at the Living Room, Hereford

But now all the money contributed has been totted up and the final tally comes to just under £6,000 – three times the figure we were hoping for!

Mel Groves, chief executive of the Living Room, the Hereford charity that despatched the parcels, said it was an amazing total.

“I want to thank Hereford Times readers for all their donations. They made a lot of people happy at Christmas.”

She said volunteers helping the charity had delivered the parcels to people in need, including those without homes, and women and children fleeing domestic violence. Some volunteers been brought to tears by the thanks they had received from grateful recipients.

Ms Groves explained that the money donated over and above our £2,000 target would be put to good use.

Hereford Times:

“We send out food all year round to people who need help, and contributions from Hereford Times readers will continue to pay for parcels for the next three months or so.”

Hereford Times editor John Wilson said: “Although Hereford Times readers have their own challenges in these difficult times, I knew when we launched the appeal in partnership with the Herefordshire Community Foundation that they would do what they could to help people less fortunate than themselves.

Hereford Times: Volunteers at the Living Room, Hereford, with some food parcels ready for distribution to families in need over ChristmasVolunteers at the Living Room, Hereford, with some food parcels ready for distribution to families in need over Christmas

“But I am nevertheless taken aback by their generosity. To exceed our appeal target by such a sum is testament to their concern for others.”

The Living Room is a café, community larder and safe community space in Commercial Road, Hereford. It aims to make things better for people on low incomes, and those experiencing isolation or lacking in support or community connections.