Thanks to the work of Worthing Homes Community House and the local community a number of families, for whom Christmas would have been just another day, were able to celebrate and make memories!
With donations of toys, food and other items donated by the Sainsburys / Argos toy appeal, Our lady of Sion School, MORE Radio and a £1,100 donation from Carl Walker’s Just Giving page, along with members of the public dropping in various items of food and toys and other gifts we were able to help:
72 families with a turkey and hamper of store cupboard and Christmas foods which included amongst other things: Stuffing, crackers, mince pies, cakes and pet food if needed.
238 children received gifts or toys – for many this made the difference between their children getting something or nothing on Christmas day.
Many of the families were overwhelmed when presented with the hamper of food, and toys that they knew their kids would love; as well as the gifts for their teens – many who had been told that due to the family circumstances there would be no presents this Christmas.
We were also able to send a number of families to the pantomime, again bringing joy to families who would otherwise be unable to take their young children to enjoy this festive treat
Clive Cavanagh, community development manager said “It is a pity that food banks and such support has become so vital in our communities, but it is so good to see how the wider community has rallied round to support its most vulnerable members. Our thanks go to not only organisations like More Radio, Sainsbury’s and the Lady of Sion School but also to the people who just came by with a bag of food to help local families, it meant a great deal too many at Christmas”
