'I saw one kid say Santa was too sick to deliver this year... it's thoroughly heartbreaking'

In Greater Manchester, the approach of the holiday season brings a stark reality for many families. For households facing financial struggles, the focus isn’t just on the lack of gifts under the tree, but on the concern of ensuring there’s enough food at home for a meaningful Christmas dinner.

In Blackley, one food bank founder - who once faced food insecurity himself - points to the crates of fresh food - a lifeline for one struggling family. “Christmas is such a massive celebration in this country - I think if you know you're not included in that then it can have a detrimental impact on your mental health,” Lewey Hellewell says.

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While many households last-minute gift shop and buy ingredients for festive meals, there are families for whom such preparations are an unattainable luxury.

However, volunteers at Humans MCR - a food poverty charity - operate tirelessly year-round to help tackle hunger in our region. But the team and volunteers will deliver ‘Xmas Hampers’ to 840 people struggling this holiday season during December.

Packed to the brim with everything needed for a hearty Christmas dinner - plus presents for children, and treats for adults- these hampers will ensure hundreds of families, who might otherwise go without, can gather around and share in the joy on Christmas Day.

Lewey told the MEN: “If you’re a child and don’t feel you're involved in those celebrations it’s harbouring them with adult problems because they will probably ask why.

“The first question asked by teachers in