ST Luke’s Church in Linch and the congregation in Milland have rallied round to support the Samara’s Aid Appeal after Reverend Bill Johnston saw an appeal for winter clothing from Canon White.

Led by Reverend Trish Bancroft, the churches decided helping Iraqi refugees was something they wanted to get involved in.

She said: “People have generously given not only winter clothes, coats, and shoes, but blankets, duvets, towels and toiletries. To the surprise of those packing, we found some very big boxes left at the back of church full of brand new ski jackets, trousers, and T-shirts.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of so many, not just donating clothes but donating money to help with the cost of shipping. Without the generosity of people’s time we would not have been able to get so much packed.

"Linch Church has been a hub for sorting and packing and we are extremely grateful to Sainsbury’s for donating banana boxes to use as packaging.

“I think the appeal has caught people’s attention because we all share a feeling of helplessness at the plight of so many. This appeal is a way in which we can do something to make a difference to the lives of many desperate people.

“When we took the donations to the collection place in readiness for the journey to Iraq, we met the lorry driver from Turkey who has already done five trips as well as the people from various churches who are running the appeal.

“Our load joined a warehouse of donations in readiness to be transferred onto a lorry. The journey to Iraq will take five days. We hope and pray that many refugees in Iraq will benefit from the generosity of so many in this community.”