Cambridge City Foodbank has received more than 500 hamper pledges for its annual Christmas Hamper Appeal; more than halfway to its ambitious record-breaking target of 800.
The appeal is now in its ninth year, being delivered in collaboration with Cambridge Sustainable Food and Cambridge City Council. It invites individuals, organisations, businesses, and community groups to donate hampers filled with a range of festive treats, essential food, and hygiene items, which will be distributed to those in need over the Christmas period.
October was the Foodbank’s fourth busiest month in its 13-year history. For the first time ever, the charity has consistently supported more than 1,000 local people every month of the year.
“The winter months are especially hard for people who are struggling financially. With the cost of living still high and unaffordable for many, the Foodbank is a lifeline for numerous members of our community. We aim to use the Christmas Hamper Appeal to ensure we’re able to give much-needed supplies to families in Cambridge over the Christmas period. With the unprecedented level of need for our support, we require a record number of hamper pledges to ensure that we help everyone who needs it.
“The level of generosity so far has been incredible, and we have been blown away by the amount of interest we have had in the campaign. But, we need to keep going as the number of recent pledges has started to stall, and we would like to remind people that there are two weeks remaining until the collection date. People in our communities are struggling, and with Christmas on the horizon, we’d like to be able to spread some festive cheer at this tough time.”
Cambridge City Foodbank Local Organiser, Kate McIntosh
As part of the appeal, Cambridge Sustainable Food will source and distribute fresh vegetables to households in need shortly before Christmas, and the City Council will arrange for toys to be distributed to families with children.
Cambridge City Foodbank is asking those interested in donating a Christmas Hamper to register first. A collection will be held on 10 and 12 December, but prior registration is required.
HOW TO SUPPORT THE APPEAL
To register to donate a hamper, click HERE
To donate funds to provide fresh vegetables, click HERE
To donate a game or gift, click HERE, or HERE. Feel free to use other suppliers as preferred, but please buy family games or non-gendered items that are suitable for toddlers.
Gifts donated as part of the City Council’s toy appeal should be delivered to Brownfield Community Centre, 31A Green End Road, Cambridge, CB4 1RU, or dropped off during opening hours at NatWest bank at 21 Petty Cury, CB2 3NE, or Brownfield, The Meadows or Clay Farm Community Centres.
