Wakefield BID pledges support for Christmas Hamper Appeal as donations start arriving

Organised by Chantry Rotary Club, the Community Awareness Programme (CAP) and sponsored by the Wakefield Express, this annual appeal brings a ray of sunshine to many families across Wakefield and the Five Towns who may otherwise not have such a happy Christmas.

The hampers are distributed to families who are supported year round by the Children First Organisation, which ensures that they get to those who need them most.

We also need to remember the many contributors to the appeal who come together to donate food, hampers and money to allow us to succeed. This year is no exception.

Promises of support are already coming in from a number of local organisations, colleges, businesses and this year Wakefield BID, which supports local businesses in Wakefield. They are asking all of their members to support the appeal with donations so that they can make up hampers to be included.

Susan Ralph, from Wakefield BID, said “This year Wakefield BID has put its name forward to assist and is asking the businesses within Wakefield city centre to assist. Currently we are looking at the possibility of putting a food collection point in Wakefield One where Wakefield BID is located.”

We also remember all of the Wakefield Express readers who so generously make up dozens of finished hampers to help us get the large number necessary to make the difference to those families in need.

Hampers should include: tea or coffee, sugar, long life milk, breakfast cereal, tinned potatoes or instant mash, tinned vegetables, stuffing, tinned ham or corned beef, pasta or rice, pasta in sauce or cup soups, gravy granules, tinned fruit, fruit juice or cordial, chocolate biscuits, jam or marmalade, children’s sweets and a box of chocolates. Please remember – no alcohol or fresh, frozen and chilled foods. Additional foods or Christmas novelties can also be included.

CAP has already had the first donations so come on everyone – get packing and help us make 2023 another successful year for our Wakefield Christmas Hamper Appeal. Hampers and donations should be dropped off at CAP on Market Street, Wakefield, or the The Redoubt pub on Westgate/Horbury Road.