The Church of the Ascension in Lower Broughton has released an appeal for Salford residents to donate a ‘reverse’ advent calendar this year to help families in need.

Warren Mitchell, 50, is the churchwarden and organiser of the appeal.

He said: “Instead of having an Advent calendar where you open a box every day and give yourself a little treat, we’re asking people just to set aside a small gift every day during this time.

“It will be distributed to local families and individuals who are in need over Christmas.”

Residents can donate their ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ in a box or basket. The items donated can be preferably food, chocolates, or children’s toys.

The church will organise a collection day in mid-December to be announced on their social media page.

Warren said: “People struggle every year over Christmas, many families and single people. This year in particular with the effects of Covid, with people being frail or losing work.

“A lot of families and individuals just take it day by day, week by week to afford food.”

Warren Mitchell. Copyright & provided by: Warren Mitchell

He added: “And so we thought it would be a good idea just to get everybody involved and just try to help out, as much as we can.

“Being part of that community is looking after each other and helping each other as well. ”

Warren has lived his entire life in Salford and visited Ascension Church with his family since he was a child. After volunteering with the church for years he is now studying to become a priest. He said: “ is not something you decide overnight. It’s a calling.”

The church where he grew up, Ascension Church in Lower Broughton, is Grade II listed building that was destroyed due to an ‘ arson attack’ in 2017. He said: “Even though we’ve been waiting for the church to be rebuilt. We are worshiping in the River View primary school ten o’clock on Sunday”

The church is now being rebuilt and there are plans to reopen in the Summer of 2021.

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