Charities in Penzance are gearing up for a series of initiatives to support people struggling in the town over the festive season.

And the people of the town are being asked to help.

The Penlee cluster of churches is putting on a Christmas lunch on the big day at St Mary’s Church, in Chapel Street, from 1-3pm. Hosted by the Street Food Project and the church, the event is open to anyone.

And Food for Families has three initiatives running.

The first is a Christmas disco at the Pulse Venue, in Heamoor, on Sunday, December 11, from 1-4pm.

The cost is £5 per child and there will be a DJ, buffet and a prize for the best festive costume.

The charity is also planning to send some 600 boxes to families in need, with the help of Cornwall Christmas Box – but needs help collecting items.

People are being asked to make up a hamper for a household of between one and five.

It should contain items such as Christmas cake, tinned fruit and veg, cranberry sauce, mince pies, packets of nibbles and crackers to pull.

There will also be a fundraising Santa’s Grotto open from 3-6.30pm on Saturday, December 17, at 59 Lower Queens Street, Penzance.

All the money raised goes towards the running costs of Food For Families.

Julia Tucker, charity spokesperson, said: “We are really looking forward to the disco and to bringing Santa’s Grotto to Penzance.

“The cost of living is going up and people are really struggling this year.

“Our project gave out more than 450 parcels last year and this year we are providing two schools with boxes which is 300 parcels alone.

“That’s not counting those we give out to our families and helping other organisations as well. I really need the community’s help with the Christmas hampers. We are looking at more than 600 boxes this year and referrals are still coming in – as a parent, that scares me.”