Homeless charity's heart-warming Christmas campaign in Peterborough closes in on its target - but more help is needed
A charity helping the homeless in Peterborough is appealing for keen crafters to help them fulfil their heartwarming Christmas campaign.
Light Project Peterborough (LPP) is running its Christmas Hearts Campaign again this year – which sees hand-made hearts handed out on the city’s streets over the festive period.
Hundreds of knitted and fabric hearts have already been made – but the project still needs more to reach its 1,000 target.
Recalling the origins of the project, a spokesperson for LPP explained: “During Christmas 2022, a volunteer made some hearts for the Garden House Christmas Tree. A year later, one of their Street Chaplains saw the hearts and asked if some could be made to give out on the streets of Peterborough. The volunteer, along with LPP Volunteer Co-Ordinator Julie Gibson made 100 hearts, and the Street Chaplains gave them out just before Christmas 2023. The hearts had a card attached telling the recipient that 'they are not alone and are loved by God'.”
Last Christmas, 120 hearts were created by 12 volunteers. Before they were given out, the hearts spent a weekend on a tree at the All Saints Church Christmas Tree Festival.
"Giving out the hearts in Peterborough City Centre was pure joy,” the spokesperson said. “So many people were touched to be given this small gift.
"With the help of LPP volunteers, as well as volunteers from Peterborough churches, we also provided another 200 hearts to be put in Christmas bags for Asylum Seekers which contained socks, gloves or hat and food snacks.”
Julie Gibson added: “It’s been amazing to see the support we’ve had for this campaign so far. These hearts will bring much light and joy to people who need some hope in their lives.”
If you can help LPP to reach their 1,000 milestone, then please get in touch with Julie via [email protected].