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Hundreds of people supported with Christmas donations
Vulnerable people across Lincolnshire and the surrounding counties felt the joy of Christmas, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the local community.
Lincolnshire Co-op's Secret Santa campaign made it easy to donate to 72 charities that support local people in need, with drop-off points inside the retailer’s 101 food stores, 43 pharmacies and 13 travel branches.
During the campaign, 2716 toiletry and sanitary products and 4562 gifts were donated to local toy banks and hygiene banks, and 43 food banks were supported.
Boston Pioneers Academy saw 10% of its students benefit from toy bank support this Christmas, with each child receiving at least three gifts through the Boston Salvation Army’s toy appeal.
Jo Bland, Headteacher at Boston Pioneers Academy, said: “It’s emotional and heart warming to see the tears in parent’s eyes when they receive presents for their children because it relieves a massive pressure from them.
“Without this incredible support, Christmas would be a massive struggle for many families, and we can’t thank everyone enough for their generous donations.”
A variety of donation drives were held by the co-operative's Community team, including at Lincoln City Football Club and Scunthorpe United Football Club match days.
Across these two events, 424 food items, 189 gifts, 1126 toiletries and £204 were given to the campaign.
104 Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues also dedicated their employer-funded volunteering hours to contribute to the campaign, include wrapping presents and accepting donations at events.
The Hygiene Hub on Ashby Ward at Lincoln County Hospital provides neurology patients with toiletries during care, and is linked to Lincolnshire Co-op's pharmacies in Skellingthorpe, Waddington, Witham St. Hughes, Cherry Willingham, Nettleham and Welton.
Laura Whitworth, Staff Nurse at Lincoln County Hospital’s Ashby Ward, said: “We all take toiletries for granted every day, but they are vital for not only our patients hygiene but also their motivation to participate in rehabilitation.
“Thank you to everyone has donated to the Hygiene Hub, you’ve completely transformed the care we provide for Ashby Ward patients.”
Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid, supported by Lincolnshire Co-op's food stores in Whittlesey and Coates, helps on average over 60 families around the local areas in need of essential food supplies.
Joe Jennings, Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid Manager, said: “Walking into a food bank and asking for help can feel quite exposing, but the families we support know their local community is there for them.
“Every donation makes a massive difference and, thanks to Lincolnshire Co-op and its customers, we can continue to support families put food on their tables.”
Lincolnshire County Council’s Leaving Care Service was supported by Lincolnshire Co-op's Louth Travel branch during the campaign. Five years ago, there were around 700 young people in their care, and this has now increased to over 1,000.
Rebecca Harris, Lincolnshire County Council’s Leaving Care Service Team Leader, said: “Our young people have benefited so much from this fantastic campaign and the generosity of their local community who help them feel valued.
“Thank you to everyone who donated and to Lincolnshire Co-op's Louth Travel branch for continuously supporting our service, we couldn’t be more grateful to you all.”
Danielle Lowther, Lincolnshire Co-op Senior Community Co-ordinator, said: “Thanks to our incredibly generous customers, colleagues and community volunteers, many vulnerable people across our local communities felt the magic of Christmas.
“The campaign means so much to Lincolnshire Co-op and the charities we support. We hope that with initiatives like Secret Santa, we can inspire the joy of donating not only during Christmas but all year round.”
