At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic an Orange church group provided four hot meals to people in need.
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Seven months later the Orange Uniting Church Hot Meals Outreach program is serving up to 140 takeaway meals every Saturday night.
And now they are preparing to deliver about 100 Christmas Day lunches at the church hall from 11.45am-2pm.
It is a great outcome when an organisation comes and asks for very little but actually needs a lot.
- Cr Scott Munro
The church applied for a $2000 grant from Orange City Council.
However this week the council, in recognition of the sheer size of the role the volunteer group was fulfilling, awarded them $10,000.
Council was told staff had identified the organisation needed more help than it was seeking to extend its program.
Cr Scott Munro said the Uniting Church group was performing a significant role in helping needy people in Orange.
"It is a great outcome when an organisation comes and asks for very little but actually needs a lot," he said.
Co-ordinator Bev Rankin said they were grateful for the funding.
"It means we can now continue the program well into winter next year," she said.
Mrs Rankin said the Saturday night program was helping a range of people struggling in the city.
She said it started after COVID-19 had forced other groups to close.
Mrs Rankin said the program was run by the church with help from Fusion and volunteers from the community, Rotary and other groups.
Fellow co-ordinator Christine Hawke said local businesses provided donated or discounted ingredients and
Cadia Valley Operations provided an initial grant.
"Many individuals have made cash donations as well and we are very grateful for people's generosity," she said.
She said the Christmas Day lunch was aimed at people without cooking facilities, such as people in temporary housing, and people living on their own.
She said Kinross-Wolaroi students had donated handmade decorations and treats.
Anyone wishing to volunteer, or needing a meal, through either the Christmas Day or Saturday night program, can contact the Orange Uniting Church on 6362 5788, or by messaging the church's Facebook page.
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