Local Twickenham business, Greek Cook & Grill, sponsored a community lunch in collaboration with Shepherd's Star charity on Sunday 7 January.

They successfully fed 97 individuals within the Twickenham community.

Spiros and his family felt it essential to give back to the local community, knowing first hand how hard the last few years have been for many.

The charity lunch featured a delicious and wholesome menu prepared by Spiros and his team - offering both a meat and vegetarian option, together with a side salad.

The community gathered at a local Twickneham Church. (Photo Credit: Shepherd's Star).

The lunch was hosted by a local church on Twickenham Green: Twickenham United Reformed Church.

A team of volunteers from Shepherd's Star served the lunch to almost 100 guests, providing hospitality and befriending, ensuring a wonderful joy-filled experience.

One Table of Hope guest said: "Thank you for inviting me to all these incredible events to witness the power of community. You really change lives and it's inspiring as well as fulfilling".

Spiros and his daughter serving food. (Photo Credit: Shepherd's Star).

Laura Stone, Sheperd's Star Project Leader said: "We are incredibly grateful for the support from Spiros and team - their contribution towards our Table of Hope has made a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.

"It is so heartwarming to see local businesses engaging and supporting their community.

"We wouldn't have been able to provide the last two years of Tables of Hope meals without the ongoing support of local businesses like Greek Cook & Grill."

Table of Hope emerged from the pandemic as a monthly opportunity to invite the community to gather around a communal table and share a delicious meal.

The aim of this is to encourage community collaboration, build friendships, and inspire hope with the objective of reducing isolation, increasing social connection and enhancing well-being.

Spiros and Sheperd's Star volunteer. (Photo Credit: Shepherd's Star).

Over the last two years, Table of Hope has served over 1500 nutritional meals, sponsored by 16 local businesses, Richmond Council and six local residents.

Desiree Shepherd, the co-founder and Director of Sheperd's Star said: "Sometimes I just close my eyes and hear the joy! Table of Hope for me, is the joy that comes when community gathers and the hope that fills our hearts."

Greek Cook and Grill hope to inspire other local businesses to consider supporting initiatives like Table of Hope that positively impact the lives of community.

For more information about Shepherd's Star, contact Desiree Shepherd on [email protected] or 07941 558595.

For more information about Greek Cook & Grill, please contact Spiros, at [email protected] or 07459 190219.