Food hampers bring Christmas cheer to families in Burgess Hill

A partnership of local organisations with the support of local businesses, schools, and the foodbank, collected items to make up more than 270 Christmas food hampers.

The hampers were delivered to families and individuals in the Burgess Hill area in time for Christmas.

A spokesman for Burgess Hill Town Council said: “Many people on low incomes are struggling with the rising cost of living and Christmas can be a particularly difficult time with extra expense but no extra money, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The groups who organised the initiative included Burgess Hill District Lions Club, The King’s Church Mid-Sussex, Burgess Hill Community Food Bank, Burgess Hill Town Council and Burgess Hill Youth.

“Sussex Clubs for Young People also provided support with their Purple Bus and assisted with the transportation of food.

“Financial support for the project was contributed by Burgess Hill District Lions, Clarion Futures and The Kings Church.

“We also received a donation of boxed food hampers from Rapid Relief Team UK.”

The hamper project, which runs annually, had to adapt to covid this year so there were reduced collection points available, however the community and businesses stepped up to support those in need.

“Burgess Hill Academy, Downlands School, LVS Hassocks, St Paul’s Catholic College and Burgess Hill Girls School all contributed a significant amount of food,” said the council spokesman.

“1st Burgess Hill Scout Group also did a sterling effort in collating donations from the various sections and these were added into the hampers.

“Rapid Relief Team UK approached the project team and donated 19 completed boxes for distribution, too.

“We accepted donations from Steve Willis Training; Michelmersh Bricks, CAE, Paperplus, PVL, and the Mid Sussex Child Development Centre.

“Thanks to Bio-Productions for providing empty cardboard boxes in advance for the schools to collect their items.

“We would also like to thank the community team at Tesco who sorted and allocated food for us at short notice to fill the hampers with missing items.

“These items were purchased by Burgess Hill District Lions and Clarion Futures.”

More than 490 adults and teens and 273 children benefitted from the generous donations of people’s food, time and effort to support those in need, the council spokesman said.

The project will operate in 2021 and information will be available on the town council website.

People can make a financial contribution to the foodbank by visiting www.goldengiving.com/secure/donation/burgess-hill-community-food-bank.