A PROJECT to treat needy families in the Tavistock area over Christmas is being relaunched for the second year running with the help of the town’s Rotary club, organisers say.

Last year’s three-day scheme saw volunteers deliver Yuletide goodies on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day after the Rotary club lunch for people on their own at Tavistock’s United Reformed Church was shelved because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The operation, backed by Tavistock Locals Help, saw the team deliver food and gifts over the three days of Christmas, with so many people volunteering to help out that some had to be turned away.

One of this year’s organisers, former town councillor Graham Parker, said the operation would be in a cut down form, as the Rotary Club was laying on the lunch for senior citizens in the United Reform Church following the downgrading of Covid-19 restrictions.

But he said that last year’s project had identified a number of families and individuals who had suffered badly during the pandemic and he was contacting different agencies to trace those who also need help this year, although that may not be Covid-related.

Mr Parker said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that we are doing it again this year. I am now working with Rotary who, as a result of the huge success of last year’s Christmas Treats, have agreed to incorporate the Christmas Treats project into the Christmas Lunch project.’

He said with the help and support of agencies they realised that even in a prosperous town like Tavistock there are people who, for no fault of their own, dread the thought of Christmas Day, and that dread had little to do with Covid. He said: ‘It is an ongoing issue. This year again, we will do what we can to help ease that feeling and, as we did last year, we will deliver to people’s home a small present, a hot Christmas lunch and a Boxing Day Box.

‘As last year, we aim to serve older people living on their own, families struggling financially at Christmas, people who are ill, disabled, single parents - a much wider group of people than could be catered for in the United Reformed Church.

‘We have volunteer drivers, a kitchen able to create turkey dinners and the support of people, councillors and businesses throughout Tavistock. What we now need is to identify our clients.

‘As part of our outreach, I am contacting local schools and churches as well as social service organisations. I know from last year that you have contact with families who might struggle this Christmas and who might need and enjoy a treat.’

Mr Parker said that while they had received donations, they were still looking for financial assistance to help cover the cost of the project.

Anyone who can help can contact him on 07545 075 942.

Meanwhile, town Rotarians have said places are limited at the United Reform Church lunch, for which there is no charge, and have urged anyone interested to get in touch as soon as possible.

Volunteers wil pick interested people up before 11.30am and take them home at around 2.30pm.

Anyone who wants to book a place should contact Judy Hirst on 01822 617569 or 07894538131.