Christmas can be an isolating time for those living in poverty and comes at an ever-increasing cost. Our Christmas Appeals aim to reduce feelings of social isolation and financial stress over the festive period and collections of goods support these initiatives.

We run two appeals: our annual Christmas Presents Appeal and, new for 2020, our Treats and Trimmings Appeal. Both appeals require a supply of food, the Presents Appeal provide gifts for children who would otherwise go without as well as a Festive Food Pack to help their family over the holidays. Treats and Trimmings will deliver festive food to those living in food poverty as well as providing basics to help people access food over this period.

By collecting these items, we can provide these goods to those in need and help them avoid Christmas debt and feelings of shame and not being able to have, or provide for their family, a “perfect” Christmas. Alongside the Christmas food, we provide store cupboard essentials which are especially important to those who rely on school meals and our subsidised food store, The Pantry. With these outlets closed for the holidays, food budgets which are already strained have to stretch even further at the most expensive time of the year. These basic items will keep cupboards full and food on the table.

What is on the table for many this Christmas, given the predicted doubling of UK destitution rates by then, is rising rates of unemployment and the prospect of homelessness in the New Year as rent arrears build up. We want to put mince pies, Christmas puddings, crackers and cake back on the table instead to make sure people know they haven’t been forgotten this year and that they have a service to turn to for support.

Thank you in advance for your support this Christmas.

What should be donated?

Festive Goodies!

• Christmas pudding
• Christmas cake
• Mince pies
• Chocolates(including chocolate coins and tree decorations)
• Boxes of Christmas crackers
• Tea, coffee hot chocolate
• Candy canes
• Biscuits

Long-lasting basics:

• Pasta
• Rice
• Noodles
• Pasta/curry sauces
• Cereal
• Tinned soup/beans/vegetables/tomatoes/tuna
• Tinned custard/rice pudding/fruit
• Long life milk/fruit juice

Money donations are also welcome! The drop off point is in the RE department and all donations must be in by the 18^th of November. Thank you.

* Unfortunately items which are perishable or have alcohol content cannot be accepted *