FOR most people Christmas is a happy time of giving, receiving, and eating.

But for the more unfortunate members of society, it can be the complete opposite.

However, in an empty warehouse unit on the outskirts of Bolton, some Christmas magic has been taking place.

Almost 100 volunteers have been helping to pack food and drink hampers to be delivered on Christmas Eve.

Packed inside are enough items to cook up a veritable feast on Christmas Day, with detailed instructions and even advice on what to do with leftovers.

The idea is the brainchild of Urban Outreach co-founder Dave Bagley who wanted to create a meal that “Jesus would take you out for”.

He said: “The idea came about five years ago when I was doing an end of year assembly at St James’ School, in Farnworth.

“I said to the pupils ‘if Jesus was to take you out for lunch, what would he get?’

“We agreed it would have to be the best of everything, so we’ve put that into a box and give it to thousands of people as if Jesus is taking them out for lunch.”

1,300 hampers will be made in total, containing the likes of chicken, stuffing, vegetables, Christmas pudding, selection boxes, Christmas crackers, and soft drinks.

Also included in each is a baking tray and recipe cards to make the process as straightforward as possible.

All the contents have been donated by local people and organisations and the families nominated to receive the hampers have also been decided by the local community.

Mr Bagley added: “Urban Outreach have nothing to do with the choosing process.

“Around 1,000 hampers will go to those who are needy and struggling financially but around 300 will go to families who have just had a horrible year due to a sadness or a loss.

“It’s just a gift to say you’re in the hearts and thoughts of people in Bolton.”

The packing process has been taking place in an empty unit at the Logistics North business park, just off Junction 4 of the M61, in Over Hulton.

Harworth Group, who own Logistics North have loaned the £2.5 million unit to Urban Outreach free of charge.

It is the second year in a row that the company have provided a unit for the project.

Adam Osborne, Senior Development Surveyor at Harworth, hopes it can be a continuous partnership.

He said: “We were more than happy to assist last year and this year we’re happy to help again and we’re also going bring some staff down to help with packing later in the week.

“There’s a real buzz around the building and it’s great to be able to help a real worthy cause.

“Moving forward we hope to be able to help Urban Outreach for the next few years at least.”

Among the 90 or so volunteers in the warehouse on Tuesday morning, was the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Elaine Sherrington.

The Mayor was at the start of the packaging line, lining all the hamper boxes with the instructions needed to cook the Christmas dinner.

Councillor Sherrington said: “It is just incredible. Everyone coming together to do this for people in need is what Christmas is all about.

“I would like to thank Dave and absolutely everyone involved.”

Mr Bagley added: “This is the Bolton way. We don’t sit and judge who is or isn’t deserving, we say ‘this is Bolton, welcome to the best town in the world’.”