It might only be May but the team behind Operation Rudolph are already looking ahead to Christmas and will meet on June 7 to discuss plans. 

The awareness event will be held at the award-winning Combe Farm Shop and Cafe, with Devon-based catering company Fed and Picked will be providing tempting canapes.

Operation Rudolph is an annual Honiton charity event which distributes food, cooked meals and presents to families and individuals in and around Honiton. A community Christmas lunch is also held in Mackarness Hall. Last year the charity supported more than 900 people. 

The event is organised by Inspiring Connections, which is run by Sharon Thorne. Sharon was recently elected to Honiton Town Council. 

Operation Rudolph is reaching more and more people each year. 

In 2022, 100 meal boxes were distributed which fed 420 people, 320 people received a gift from 'Santa' (including the children and adults from 80 different families) and 120 people attended the Christmas Day celebration or had food delivered to their home. 

A series of fundraising events will take place throughout the year to raise money for Operation Rudolph. 

This will include a repeat of last year's successful Scone Off, which took place at the Deer Park Hotel last November, an event at The Pig's informal pizza restaurant, The Folly. There will also be a collection at Tesco, fun and games for Charter Day and even the possibility of an out of season appearance from Father Christmas!

Buckerell Village also used their parish celebration to raise £270 for Operation Rudolph.

Sharon Thorne told Nub News: "We are having an Operation Rudolph catch up at Combe Farm Café after the last one went so well and generated so many good ideas. 

"We would love to see you there and have the chance to introduce you to some other like-minded community-spirited friends of Operation Rudolph.

"We are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this year our best yet and rely on the great support we receive."

"Why do we do this ? We want to make sure that people know there is help and kindness in our communities! We know asking for help is hard for many but we know that when people can they will pay that kindness forward."

You can book your spot at the event here.

The meeting will take place at Combe Farm Café on 7 June at 6.30pm.