I can't bear people queuing outside food banks Humans

IT'S a time of festive joy, when families come together to celebrate.

- GRETA SIMPSON

But for those living in extreme hardship, Christmas is a tough period. Many people are forced into a life of poverty-left to choose between heating and eating.

Those people need our help.

As people begin making plans for the Christmas period, the M.E.N. is partnering with Humans MCR to ensure that no-one across Greater Manchester goes hungry this Christmas. We are working with the north Manchester foodbank for the third year in a row, to help raise money for their incredible Christmas campaign, which delivers festive cheer to families in need.

The charity does vital work all year round, delivering food parcels to about 400 families every week across Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Rochdale and Bury.

Its efforts peak with the Nobody Hungry At Christmas campaign, in which they work tirelessly to provide Christmas hampers containing a full Christmas dinner, as well as presents and treats for adults and children.

Last year, the M.E.N.'s campaign to support the appeal raised £13,844, thanks to the generosity of our readers, and friend of the paper Michael Josephson, who pledged to match the amount of donations raised.