CHARITY chiefs at Oasis Academy Warndon and Oasis Community Hub Warndon are set to make a three times as many Christmas hampers for families in need after being inundated with support.
Staff set out to make 20 Christmas hampers for families in need but got so much support they’re now aiming for 60.
Amey Lewis and Leanne Jones, both support staff, from the Academy in Edgeworth Close, Warndon, contacted local businesses and were overwhelmed with donations of food, toys and books from Asda, The Co op, The Works, Tesco, The Entertainer and Spar stores, via the Blakemore Foundation.
“It’s been amazing, truly humbling and a real demonstration of community spirit,” said Fay Osborne, leader of Oasis Hub Warndon, who is co-ordinating the Christmas hampers campaign.
“We asked each year group in the school, from nursery through to Year 6, to bring in a particular item to go in our hampers and we issued a ‘reverse advent calendar to school staff. You open a calendar door each day and you give whatever you see on the picture – pasta, tuna, tea, etc.
“It’s not right that anyone goes hungry at any time of year, let alone Christmas. Now with the local businesses on board, we’re able to deliver toys and treats as well as the basics.”
The Academy and Community Hub team have been working throughout the pandemic to support families struggling to feed their children. Local residents ran street collections to gather food which volunteers at the Community Hub delivered once a week to families.
“We also run a permanent community pantry and some of the food donated will be used to prepare nutritious ready-meals for times of crisis,’ said Fay.
“Not only are we appealing for continued support to bring a bit of sparkle to Christmas, but we want to say a huge thank you to everybody who has supported us to help local families this year.”
Visit Oasis Warndon Community Hub on Facebook or www.crowdfunder.co.uk/oasis-warndon-community-hub-christmas-hampers for more.
