A Whangarei church traded its Christmas Day feast for food parcels. The Elim Christian Centre, formerly known as Equip Church, delivered grocery packs to needy families in Whangarei rather than holding their annual Christmas banquet that attracts over 500 people.

Pastor Steve Green said the economic difficulties facing many families meant it was more practical to give out hampers with enough food for two weeks.

“Organising a Christmas lunch puts pressure on finances, on our resources and on the volunteers because months and months of work goes into that,” he said.

The church distributed 30 large boxes containing $300 worth of groceries and smaller packs containing items worth $200. The groceries included ham, vegetables, and Christmas gifts. “All the things you’d want to enjoy a great Christmas,” explained Mr Green.

“We really wanted to put something in the hands of families that would put a massive smile on their face, and get them excited about what could have been a sad Christmas.”

He said the grocery donation to nominated families was made possible through sponsorship and members’ contributions.

The project was done in partnership with partner churches in Auckland, and the generosity of church members. Each pack also contained gospel tracts and information about the church.

“This is a big part of the gospel, looking after the poor, the widows and orphans. We wanted to take the message that God loves you and wants you to have a great Christmas as well,” said Mr Green, who believes the recession has reminded churches they have a pivotal role in their community.

“We can say ‘Jesus loves you’ with our words, but it means even more when we say it with our hands,” he said.

In response to the cancellation of the annual banquet, the Salvation Army held a Christmas dinner for 150 people.