Foodbank plea for Christmas gift boxes

2:00pm Sunday 30th October 2011

AN ANDOVER charity is asking residents to help make Christmas special for local children.

Last year Andover Foodbank donated more than 400 gift boxes to children in the community identified by care workers from agencies and organisations who work in partnership with the charity.

Some of the children are in families or with carers who cannot afford to buy gifts at Christmas. Others are living in chaotic situations where children are simply not thought about.

Gift boxes are also given to organisations such as Young Carers and Mencap to help them celebrate Christmas and recognise the achievements of their children.

Among those helped in 2010 was a mother who was attempting to pull her life back together after leaving her violent partner. She is now in her own accommodation with her two children and in a very different financial situation.

Another mother working part time, with three small children, had previously taken a loan at Christmas to try and make it special for her offspring. With support from the Andover Foodbank she was able to avoid this additional debt.

If any individuals or companies would like to make up boxes, contact Andover Foodbank at office@andoverfoodbank.org.uk or call 01264 362111. They will be sent a leaflet with gift ideas and details of how to make up the boxes.

Filled boxes should be returned to the Andover Foodbank by Friday 18 November.

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