The Salvation Army thank Bootle community at special lunch

On Thursday 1st December The Salvation Army Bootle invited its team of volunteers along with local agencies to a special Christmas lunch as thanks for helping them to support 9000 local people in 2016.  

Captain Annette Booth, church leader at the church and Charity's Bootle corps (church), said: “We simply could not do what we do without the support of local agencies and our wonderful team of volunteers. Our Christmas lunch is an opportunity for us to give our heartfelt thanks to everyone. We are able to make a real difference and transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable people thanks to the support we receive from the people at our thank you lunch."  

"We support people with complex needs, and our work is often challenging, but we make a difference and it's wonderful when those individuals come back to thank us when they have achieved their goals."  

Everyone who came received a personalised Angel Christmas tree decoration to remind them of the difference they make.   

Volunteers. From right to left: Jan Bell, Karen Quarton, Ed Pagington, Iris Dewsbury, Janet Stoddern, Gordon Jones, Joan Bennet, Susan Mcnaughton, Monique Kamwa, Maggie Bartlatt and Vicky Robertson   One of the volunteers who served lunch, Christine Summers, 33 and a mother of two, has been volunteering at Bootle Salvation Army for over a year.

She said: “I am studying health and social care at college and volunteering is a part of my course. Before I started volunteering at Bootle Corps I thought it was just a church. I quickly realised how much work is done here to support the community.   

“Volunteering here has put life in perspective and reminded me not to take anything for granted. It’s a privilege to come here. This thank you lunch is wonderful – a great opportunity for everyone to come together and remember that what we’re doing is transforming lives.”  

The Salvation Army in Bootle runs The Hope Centre which is open for the most vulnerable Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am and 3pm. There are also showers and laundry facilities for service users.  

In addition Bootle Salvation Army supports older people as well as families and there are also two popular parent and toddler groups along with a Job Club (Employment Plus), and a much loved charity shop.   The Christmas Carol Service will take place on Sunday 18th December at 3pm and everyone is welcome to come along.  

On Christmas Day Bootle Salvation Army open and serving a Traditional Christmas Lunch to those who would otherwise be on their own – around 60 people are expected.