OVER Christmas, Warrington Open Door at Christmas (WODAC), based at St John’s Church, Wilderspool Causeway, once again ensured that no one in Warrington had to face the festive period alone.
WODAC is open every day from Christmas Day through to New Year’s Day, providing a warm, welcoming space offering breakfast, hot meals, clothing, essential supplies, transport, and companionship — all delivered with dignity, kindness, and compassion.
On Christmas Day alone, hundreds of people came through the doors to enjoy both breakfast and lunch, sharing festive food and friendship in a safe and supportive environment. The scale of attendance highlighted the vital role community organisations play, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Throughout the Christmas and New Year period, WODAC is:
• Providing food and essential supplies to nearly 30 families every day
• Delivering food parcels and essentials to vulnerable residents across Warrington
• Collecting and transporting elderly and vulnerable guests so they can safely attend and enjoy festive meals
• Offering warmth, friendship, and support to those experiencing loneliness, hardship, or homelessness
This extensive operation has been made possible by over 260 Warrington residents who volunteered over the Christmas period. More than 200 volunteers gave up their time to cook, serve meals, pack food parcels, deliver essentials, and drive minibuses across the borough.
volunteers
Sarah Lavelle, Volunteer Coordinator (Committee), said:“Without our amazing volunteers, there would be no WODAC. Over 260 people from Warrington have volunteered their time this Christmas, and we are incredibly grateful to every single one of them. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year.”
Lauren Boland, WODAC Volunteer Organiser and Transport Manager, added:“For so many of the people we support, the journey here means just as much as the meal waiting for them. Picking up elderly and vulnerable guests, bringing them into a warm, welcoming space, and making sure they get home safely means they don’t have to spend this time of year feeling alone or forgotten — they get to be part of something.
The smiles when they arrive, the chats on the way in, and the moments shared over a meal remind us why this matters so much. The committee is incredibly proud of our volunteers and the community spirit that makes this happen year after year.”
Cllr Mo Hussain
Cllr Moazzam Hussain, Mayor of Warrington, who volunteered throughout the festive period — packing and serving meals, driving minibuses, collecting and dropping off guests, and delivering food parcels — said:
“Warrington Open Door at Christmas shows the very best of Warrington. What is offered here goes far beyond food — it is dignity, care, and human connection. I am proud to have volunteered alongside such committed people, and I want to thank every volunteer and supporter who made this possible.”
WODAC continues to operate on a simple but powerful principle: No judgment. No pressure. Just warmth, kindness, and support.
Anyone who may benefit, or who knows someone in need, is encouraged to come along or help spread the word.
For more information, visit: www.wodac.org.uk
