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Amos Mpofu, [email protected]

IN a heart-warming display of community spirit, residents of Entumbane in Bulawayo, have come together to facilitate a philanthropic initiative aimed at spreading love and joy this coming festive season.

The project, labelled the Christmas Food Hampers, is set to deliver essential food parcels to vulnerable groups within the community, including the elderly, disabled, orphans, widows, and other less-privileged residents.

The initiative, which started modestly last year, was the brainchild of local residents Mr Nkosikhona Mlilo and Mrs Magaret Zulu, who are residents of the suburb.

Last Christmas, the duo, donated hampers to three families in need.

This year, sustained by an overwhelming response, they have expanded their goal, aiming to support over fifty families.

“We started this initiative last year to help just a few families. I discussed the idea with my sister, Mrs Cathrine Zulu, and she wholeheartedly embraced it. Together, we were able to assist three families with what little we had. This year, we decided to open up the initiative to the broader Entumbane community, and the response has been overwhelming,” said Mr Mlilo.

According to Mr Mlilo, within just three hours of announcing the initiative to the public, 48 people pledged their support.

Initially targeting 20 families, the number has now been increased to over 50 due to the generosity of well-wishers who are continuing to contribute.

“We never expected this much enthusiasm. It’s amazing to see how quickly people have come together to lend a hand. We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support, and we’re confident that we’ll be able to help even more people than we initially planned,” he added.

The donations will be distributed to those in need on 13 December, with contributions ending on the 5th of December.

The hampers will include 10kg maize meal,  2kgs rice, 2 litres cooking oil, 2 kgs sugar, 2kgs flour, 1 kg salt, 2 Royco soup, 750ml tomato sauce, 2 litres Mazoe drink, 1 loaf of bread, 1 green bar soap and one bath soup and 1 canned baked beans.

“This initiative is about more than just giving food. It’s about giving back to the community and showing love for one another. We’re not doing this because we’re rich. We’re doing it because we care, and we believe that anyone can make a difference, no matter how small their contribution may seem,” said Mr Mlilo.

He said this aligns with the biblical principle expressed in Proverbs 19:17, which states, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

In addition to the contributions from Entumbane residents, Mr Mlilo shared that they also receive support from individuals outside the community, with some offering money while others are donating products directly.

For Mrs Zulu, the initiative holds deep personal meaning.

“For me, this is all about love. We saw how many disadvantaged people around us struggle, especially during Christmas. We didn’t want to focus only on our own families’ well-being while others were suffering. Even though it may not seem like much, we hope these hampers will bring some joy and relief to those in need,” she said.

“This project has shown me that we live in a community full of love. People from all walks of life are willing to contribute, and that’s something truly beautiful. It gives me hope for a safer, more compassionate community where people look out for one another,” she continued.

Mr Butholezwe Nxumalo, another key organiser of the initiative, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of showing love during the festive season.

“Christmas is a time when people come together to celebrate and share joy. But for many, it’s a time of hardship, particularly for the disabled, the elderly, and orphans who may not have the means to enjoy the season. By providing these hampers, we’re not just giving food—we’re giving them a little bit of happiness and reminding them that they’re not forgotten,” he said

According to Mr Nxumalo, the project has also raised awareness of the significant number of disadvantaged people in the community, with over 200 residents living with disabilities and a similar number of elderly people and orphans need support.

Mrs Grace Moyo, a community advisor, praised the initiative for its ability to bring people together.

“One of the most beautiful things about this effort is that it unites people—both residents and churches. It fosters the spirit of sharing and helps us recognise the importance of caring for our neighbours. When we see someone in need and step in to help, we create stronger bonds of respect and trust within our community,” she said.

“This gesture also highlights that the true meaning of Christmas isn’t just about receiving but about giving. When people work together to support those who are less fortunate, they strengthen the very fabric of the community,” she added.