Two hundred hampers filled with food and seasonal cheer have been delivered to struggling families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
A fleet of 70 drivers hit the roads in the eighth year of the Christmas Hamper Appeal, a partnership led by Citygate Church and Bournemouth Foodbank that brings together a network of local groups caring about families.
Each hamper contained enough food and festive cheer to last families for three days including a whole chicken, fresh vegetables, Christmas pudding and a £10 toy voucher.
Local businesses, charities, statutory agencies and community groups registered their support for the project and nominated families, pledged food donations, recruited volunteers and raised funds.
Last year, a total of 75 partners teamed up with hundreds of volunteers to deliver 200 hampers feeding 778 people (340 adults & 438 children).
It was made possible by harnessing the resources and passion of a large network of local groups.
Some pledged food and funds to fill the hampers while others recruited volunteers to help.
Organisers said the most exciting partnerships were with frontline agencies supporting families all year round.
George Farquhar, Mayor of Bournemouth, said: “I had an absolute blast helping out last year.”It is incredibly well organised and a precision-driven operation with huge dollops of joy.
“I’m delighted to join everyone’s efforts to bring happiness during a difficult time of year for struggling families.”
A family of three generations, all with long-term health conditions, said: “We were struggling because of benefits and bills and not being able to get out of the house to do the shopping.
“I’m a carer for my mum so life is tough.
“It made my Christmas when it arrived.
“It was huge! I was just expecting a few bits and bobs but it was Christmas all at once.
“I could feel my worries go away for a little while because I knew that we could be like everyone else and spend Christmas together having a proper Christmas with proper food.”
The Christmas Hamper Appeal has been a partnership between Citygate Church and Bournemouth Foodbank for six years.
- Groups or individuals can find how they can get involved at https://citygate.church/
hampers.