People supported at Swanton’s Lonsdale Road service chose to forgo Secret Santa this year and donate a big shop to their local food bank instead.
The big-hearted gesture was inspired by a conversation about homelessness after David and Gordon noticed people living on the streets.
Support Worker Audrey and her colleagues Sharon and Mandy talked to the boys about poverty, homelessness and the cost-of-living crisis.
After the conversation, Audrey asked the boys if they’d prefer to use the money usually put towards the team’s Secret Santa gifts to help others instead.
Audrey said: “For many people, this Christmas is going to be incredibly tough, so we were so proud of the boys when they said they wanted to help.
“We went to the local supermarket and filled our trolley with lots of tinned and dry foods.
“It was important to choose things that will last and help build nutritious meals during this cold weather.”
After doing their shopping, David and Gordon accompanied Audrey, Sharon and Mandy to Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen to deliver the donation.
There they handed over rice, pasta, tinned vegetables, meat sauces and a host of other items.
Audrey said: “It was eye-opening for the boys to see the soup kitchen and to understand how much people rely on these charitable services.
“The volunteers were fantastic and so grateful for our donation, which warmed all our hearts.
“David and Gordon have done us proud and shown that Christmas is all about giving to others.”
