CHRISTMAS CHEER

Press, Volume C, Issue 29702, 21 December 1961, Page 21

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Preparations By Mission

Christmas gifts to be distributed to elderly and needy people in Christchurch this week were packed by voluntary workers at the Methodist Central Mission on Tuesday evening. This service is one aspect of the mission’s Christmas activities. The parcels contain Christmas puddings and cakes, sweets, tins of fruits and other groceries Some parcels also include aprons, toilet bags and handkerchiefs. Many elderly folk had made contributions of money or of individual items, said the superintendent of the mission <the Rev. W E. Falkinghami. One elderly woman had given 33 plastic toilet bags, and another several small Christmas cakes. More contributions were coming from business firms this year. Many sent the money which they had previously spent on gifts for their customers, he said. The voluntary workers also packed special parcels containing gifts of stationery and sweets for distribution by the chaplains at city hospitals.

Outings And Party The mission's Christmas programme includes a barbecue, a party. Christmas Day outings, and special services. The barbecue will be held in the grounds of the Rehua Maori Hostel, on Thursday, at 8 p.m. Outdoor games, competitions, and carol singing are planneo The Christmas party will be held in the grounds of the Wesley Lodge Eventide Home on Saturday night. The nursing staff will sing carols and Father Christmas will distribute gifts to residents and patients of the hospital. Throughout the holiday period, the large copper beech tree on the Park terrace frontage will be illuminated. Several families will provide hospitality on Christmas Day to elderly people who would have otherwise spent the day alone. The mission still had some invitations available, and would be pleased to knoyv of any people who would like to receive them, Mr Falkmgham said. On Sunday, special Christmas services will be held at the Central Mission, and on Christmas Day a service will be conducted a& Wesley Lodge by Mr Falkingham and the Rev. D. W Edmonds.