Church congregations in Inverness area join forces with food stores to deliver 200 hampers to those in need

Boxes filled goodies have been distributed to more than 200 homes in the Inverness area thanks to a community effort.

The Church of Scotland's Culloden and Ardersier congregation was among churches from a cross-section of denominations which rose to the challenge of packing and distributing boxes of goodies for people to enjoy over the festive period.

Thanks to the effort of local churches, stores, schools and other groups, 210 hampers went out to the community.

Participating congregations also included King's Inverness, Smithton Church and Culloden Gospel Hall while Tesco, Morrisons, Spar and Co-op stores supported the initiative along with the charities, CFINE and Adopt-A-Child.

• Church community garden plan gets green light

• Community garden project in Culloden in running for funding

• 180 years' combined service at Inverness church celebrated

Culloden and Ardersier Church manager Issy Freudenthal said the boxes were distributed by local schools, social work, churches and other organisations to help those in need.

Each hamper contained various food items along with a voucher plus a useful information sheet giving information on where help can be accessed.

Culloden and Ardersier Parish Church already provides support for the community throughout the year, including operating its own community larder at Barn Church in Culloden.

The congregation is in the process of creating a community garden which will also be a source of food for local people in need.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.