ROAR OF APPROVAL FOR WORTHY WORK

Big-hearted Lions from Brigg are among people and groups supporting a homeless drop-in centre so it can stay open over Christmas, serving needy people in our area.
North Lincolnshire Council's spokesman explained: "The Forge, at New Brumby Methodist Church, Cottage Beck Road, Scunthorpe, has been given a £1,400 grant to help homeless and other vulnerable people over the Christmas holiday. This is the 10th year North Lincolnshire Council has helped fund the project. The Forge supports people with a variety of housing problems, from individuals sleeping rough to whole families who have lost their home."
People can drop-in for breakfast and a hot lunch, to pick up clean, dry clothes and find help with everything from finding a place to stay to family support and benefits advice.
Volunteers at The Forge will be serving a full Christmas dinner to people in need and all the food is donated by the White Heather Hotel at Caenby Corner.
The Forge is open everyday this week except Sunday, 26 December, from 9.30am to 2pm, and will be open all next week except Monday 27 December, from 9.30am to 1pm.
People can call outside those hours and leave a message if they need help or advice.
Donations of coffee, sugar, long life milk, tinned meats, toys and other items that can be given as presents are always needed. Volunteers are always needed to help at both the child contact centre and the drop-in centre.
To find out more call Maria Franks on 01724 276742.
Coun Mick Grant, Cabinet Member for Housing and Strategic Planning at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Christmas can be a very stressful and depressing time for people who have no place they can call home. The Forge helps make the festive season more enjoyable. It is the only project of its kind in Scunthorpe and the council has supported its good work for ten years now. I would like to extend my personal thanks to everyone who contributes to providing this vital service.”
Maria Franks, manager at The Forge, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has been kind enough to support us this Christmas and indeed throughout the year. We’ve had financial help from North Lincolnshire Council, Glanford and Brigg Lions, Rotary Club, local schools and churches and two town businessmen. Then there are the donations of food, cash and gifts we receive from individuals and groups which we distribute to people who are in need and, of course, our hardworking army of volunteers deserve a well-earned thank-you, too. “We could not do this without your support so thank you once again. It all helps and we’re very, very grateful.”