AN Oxfordshire couple who run a hot and cold food van are asking people to nominate someone who may be in need of a dinner this Christmas.

Jan and John Hall from Bicester will be cooking festive meals for those who might not get one on Christmas Day from their van, Jan’s Snack Shack.

After the success of the past two years, Mr and Mrs Hall have decided to do it again after a challenging year for many.

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The meals will be made from their van in Market Square before being delivered by volunteers to the elderly, struggling families, the homeless and anyone in need in Bicester.

Mr Hall, who is 61, said: “It has been a difficult year but to be honest we’ve probably fared better than most and although last year was going to be our last, we both thought that this Christmas would see more people that would benefit than ever and we also had quite a few people asking if we were doing it again this year.”

People have already volunteered to help deliver the Christmas dinners to people’s homes, but Mr Hall is calling on the community to nominate more Bicester residents to receive one.

Oxford Mail:

He said: “We will be doing the same thing as we’ve done the last two years where the public and people in the care community of Bicester and surrounding villages identify and nominate a person or persons they know such as elderly neighbours, people living alone, vulnerable people or anyone for whatever reason who may not get a traditional Christmas dinner this year on Christmas Day.

“We will then, with our lovely volunteers, cook and deliver a meal to each of them on the the big day at a time that suits them and at no cost.”

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People have donated treats such as biscuits, sweets and chocolate that are sealed and Mr and Mrs Hall plan to sanitise them before making them into goodie bags that can be sent alongside the festive meals.

More than 60 dinners were delivered across the town last year with 30 volunteers helping out.

The Bicester community have praised Mr and Mrs Hall for their goodwill in serving those in need at Christmas again.

Resident Julie McNair, who helped deliver meals last year, said on Facebook: "Count me in as a volunteer driver again this year. What a fantastic endeavour this is, all credit to you, especially after such a tough year.

"You really are community champions."

Martine Copley commented: "I’d love to donate to this, let me know how I can help as it’s such a wonderful selfless thing to do and may be needed more than ever for some this year unfortunately."

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Volunteers usually keep the elderly company, but due to Covid restrictions, meals will simply be delivered this time.

To nominate someone, email janskitchen60@yahoo.com. Donations for the goodie bags can be sent to Jans Snack Shack in Telford Road or The Laundry Basket in Bassett Avenue.