Kind-hearted Hitchin organisations have come together to launch a hamper appeal to make it a festive season to remember for less well-off members of our community – and they’re looking for your help.

A number of well-respected community organisations are aiming to provide Christmas food hampers to individuals and families in Hitchin and its environs, and they’re looking for your donations.

Through hard work and Hitchin’s renowned generosity of spirit, the team are hoping to provide 100 jam-packed hampers to brighten up Christmas for individuals and families who otherwise may have been facing a bleaker holiday.

Phil Jackson, one of the organisers, said: “For some, Christmas can be a hard time of year – low income, unemployment, bereavement, mental health issues and loneliness.

“Our Christmas hamper is a small gesture providing some essentials over the holiday period, and shows a community which cares.”

It’s not too late to get involved, as donations from the public can be dropped off at Brookers in Bucklersbury and Hitchin market. Requested donations include tea, coffee, sugar, pasta, cream crackers, pickles, and sauces, as well as tinned soup and vegetables, fruit, rice pudding, jelly, flour, batter mix and bags for life. The community team will ensure the hamper reaches people in genuine need – as hamper requests come from family support workers, Hitchin Christian Centre, the Salvation Army, the Hitchin Community Mental Health Team, Hitchin Round Table, Growing People, North Herts CVS, The NEED Project, Homestart and Hitchin and Rural Children Centres.

Debbie Robins, who leads Hitchin Partnership, said: “This is a great chance to make Christmas special for vulnerable people in Hitchin. So many organisations are working together enabling us to do something special. County councillors Judi Billing and Derrick Ashley have contributed.”

The Christmas Community Team 2016 consists of Hitchin Partnership, Hitchin Christian Centre, Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse, Hitchin Round Table, the Salvation Army, Hitchin foodbank and the NEED Project. Email hpadmin@wilshere.herts.sch.uk.