SkillswithLils - Scarborough girl serves up round four of Christmas Day dinners

For the past four years, Lily Porter’s focus has not been on a quiet festive celebration at home, instead she has been the driving force behind making sure that no one is alone at Christmas, and each year, she takes her family with her.

Lily’s proud mum Karen said: “Our Christmas has been taken over by Lils’ fundraising efforts, always her own ideas, always directed by how she wants to help others in her local community.”

Four years ago, Lils raised the money to buy, and delivered, food parcels and presents to those in need, dressed as a cheeky elf. A feat she repeated the following year.

Then last year, she was asked if she would like to contribute to the Scarborough Christmas Together meal at Gallows Close Centre and she jumped at the chance.

Lils, who set up her own Facebook page SkillswithLils during the pandemic, helped with the cooking for the meal, making her trademark Yorkshire puddings, and greeted everyone as they came in on Christmas Day.

Karen said: “I think she loved this the most, actually seeing how her fundraising efforts contributed to those lonely and isolated people actually enjoying some company and a meal on Christmas Day.”

When asked if she wanted to return to Gallows Close again this year, Lily didn’t think twice.

So, once again she'll be giving up her Christmas day morning/afternoon to help provide a meal for those in need.

Karen said: “I can't tell you how proud we are of our little Christmas day elf, cooking giant Yorkshire puddings, making Christmas cakes for all, contributing to the meal cost through her fundraising and generous donations.”

Lily is also supporting families/individuals with food/gift donations, in addition to her Christmas day efforts.

Karen said: “Every year I think this will be the last Christmas where Lils will want to fundraise and cook with her dad.

"She's just turned 12 now and is growing up fast.

“But every year she thinks of new ways to help her local community.

“She never looks for thanks, she is always super appreciative of everyone's donations that help her do what she does.”

To help support her efforts and help with the cost of Christmas Lily has launched a JustGiving page to raise money, over the last four years she has raised £4,500.

Lils said: “I'm completely overwhelmed by the generosity I've been shown! The Scarborough Hospitality Association has made a fantastic donation towards this year's dinner, and I'm so grateful for their support of this community initiative.

“I'm honestly blown away by such kindness and generosity!”

Kimmie Avison, CEO at Gallows Close Centre said: “We’re pretty much full and expecting 40-45 people for Christmas Dinner.

“I’d like to thank all of the volunteers who are helping on the day, including Revd Mike who is coming to sing carols.

“Karen, Lily and Graham, Scarborough Lions for donating Christmas presents and Hays for collecting donations.

"There are so many people to thank, everyone who dropped in donations of toys and mince pies, Wendy for making the Christmas cakes and the RSPCA for pet supplies.

“And Craig at Tesco for donating Christmas hampers that will be sent out to family homes.”

As for Lily and family – they’ll be having their traditional Christmas dinner once they’ve finished serving others at Gallows – they have a table booked at the Chinese for 2.30pm!