This Christmas, St. Paul’s has lived out its ethos of “Loving God, Loving the ‘Ford” through the Christmas Bag Project 2025. These special bags were created for local families who may find the festive season difficult, bringing them joy, comfort and a reminder that they are loved.
How it began
Sarah, our Growing Faith Project Worker, launched the project by fundraising for gifts and Christmas food items for families in Stockingford. She reached out to local and national companies, sharing the vision of spreading Christmas cheer to those in need.
Generous support from S & K
One of the most significant contributions came from S & K on Arbury Road, part of the Nisa Retail network. Their team, led by Manjit and Suk, responded with enthusiasm and kindness. They first donated through their local Make a Difference fund, which allows individual stores to support causes close to their community.
Suk and the team then backed Sarah’s application to the national Make a Difference Locally (MADL) fund. This charity, established by Nisa in 2008, enables independent retailers to donate money raised through the sale of specific products in their stores. Every time customers buy these items, a portion goes into the MADL fund, which is then distributed to local charities, schools, food banks and community projects.
Through this two-tiered support, Sarah’s application was successful, resulting in a combined donation of £2,300. This remarkable gift was presented to her by Suk and the Arbury Road team, alongside Glyn Cooper, Retail Development Manager, who helps oversee and approve
MADL grants. Their generosity reflects the fund’s mission: to build stronger local communities by supporting grassroots projects that make a real difference.
Other local businesses
We are also deeply grateful to other local companies who gave generously: Stuart Plumbing and Heating, Nuneaton Raw Pet Food, Round Towers Spares & Motor Factors, Croft Fisheries, and Farm Stores. Their support, alongside our congregation’s donations, made the project possible.
Shopping and preparation
With the funds raised, Sarah purchased 84 toys and games, carefully chosen for children of all ages. She also spent a day shopping for festive food items: biscuits, Christmas cake, mince pies, chocolates, crisps, pretzels, squash, hot chocolate and selection boxes for every child. The gifts and food were lovingly sorted and packed into Christmas Bags, each tailored to the families nominated by pastoral teams at our three local primary schools.
Sharing the joy
In total, 44 families received Christmas Bags this year. Delivered to the schools and distributed by staff, these gifts carried with them the love and joy of Christmas, reminding families that they are not alone and that their community cares deeply for them.
A heartfelt thank you
We cannot express enough gratitude to the companies, individuals, and congregation members who made this project possible. Your generosity has allowed us to share God’s love in a practical, joyful way, supporting families in The Ford during this special season.
