The dreams of many children are set to come true this Christmas thanks to the generosity of those who donated presents to a festive appeal.

Pearly Queen of Clapton Teresa Watts is an ambassador for 3Food4U and delivered seven cars full of gifts to the Epping Forest emergency food agency following her Christmas present appeal.

The charity’s founder Pesh Kapasiawala thanked Teresa, Jackie Murphy, Mark O’brien and Paula Lindsell for organising the appeal and said: “I don’t know what we’d do if it weren’t for Teresa, our Pearly Queen. I know there are lots of people involved but you certainly made it happen with your appeal and for that we and the community are so grateful.”

Santa will be visiting all of 3food4U’s community hubs during the week beginning December 20 to give out the presents. If you know of a family that need some gifts, ask them to attend one of the hubs in that week or nominate them by emailing info.3food4u@gmail.com

The charity has celebrated the first anniversary of its Chigwell Row hub.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Volunteers at the Chigwell Row hub

Pesh said: “What an incredible journey we've had, all thanks to our tireless compassionate volunteers.

“Huge thanks to All Saints Church, Chigwell Row for providing facilities and their support, without both we couldn’t have delivered the vital service to the local community.”

3food4U has also thanked Roding Valley High School and Woodland Grove Care Home for their donations, The Original Factory Shop – Debden for fundraising, and has forged a new partnership with RGB Direct Electrical Superstore.

The business will be supporting the charity with vital electrical equipment, the first of which are six new laptops.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Pesh Kapasiawala with Jason Digwa

CEO Jason Digwa said: “We’ve been watching, like everyone else, the phenomenal growth and service 3food4u have been providing the community and wanted to support their efforts in a small way. They’re a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the community comes together.”

3food4u offers free groceries, clothes and essentials without assessment or referral to anyone that needs it, treating and supporting people humanely with dignity and respect.

It has a fundraising page at https://www.stewardship.org.uk/pages/3food4u

The 3food4U hubs will continue to open as normal over the festive period:

  • Monday: Waltham Abbey – 13, Sun Street - 11.30am to 1pm
  • Tuesday: Loughton – Loughton Club, 8, Station Road - 11.30am to 1pm
  • Wednesday: Chigwell Row – All Saints Church Hall, Romford Road - 5pm to 6.30pm
  • Thursday: Ongar – Zinc Arts Centre, High Street - 1pm to 2.30pm
  • Friday: Waltham Abbey – 13, Sun Street - 11.30am to 1pm

The Rotary Club of Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell is continuing to meet on Zoom on Thursdays at 7pm.

If you would like to attend, contact Pesh on 020 8500 2527 / 07973 166940 or email info.3food4u@gmail.com