A thousand thank-yous for a very special Xmas
KINDHEARTED volunteers and charity workers issued a rallying call for donations to help homeless and struggling families this Christmas - and residents in Hyndburn didn’t disappoint.
More than 1,000 boxes each filled with food, clothing and personal Christmas messages were collected by the Shoe Box Buddy for the Homeless group.
It is one of a number of initiatives to help disadvantaged people this Christmas in the borough.
The Hyndburn Helpers distributed dozens of food parcels to families, and were boosted by donations from Huncoat United FC, while volunteers at the Saheli Centre’s weekly Curry Club hosted a special Christmas meal for homeless. More than 50 elderly people also enjoyed a free Christmas Day meal.
JON MACPHERSON
KINDHEARTED volunteers and charity workers issued a rallying call for donations to help homeless and struggling families this Christmas - and residents in Hyndburn didn’t disappoint.
More than 1,000 boxes filled with food, clothing and personal Christmas messages were collected by the Shoe Box Buddy for the Homeless group.
Erika Anderton, from Oswaldtwistle, started the annual campaign three years ago, with the help of Tonia and Derek Taylor and Janine Winfield, and drop-off events were held at Accrington Aldi and Winfields in Haslingden.
The boxes have been donated to more than 20 charities across the North West, including Crossroads, Maundy Relief, Hyndburn Helpers and Trinity Church in Oswaldtwistle.
Erika, 45, said: “I saw somebody appeal for shoe boxes in Manchester and thought I would then do my own locally. It’s got bigger and bigger each year.
“It’s really overwhelming and lovely. I think people chose Shoe Box Buddy because they trust it. I post where they all go so they can see it’s a personal charity and going hand to hand.
“Each box has a Christmas card in off the family that packed it so it makes it nice and personal.
“Even if people don’t donate to me it has created awareness and they may have done it on their own and delivered directly to a charity.”
Erika, who works for Calico in Burnley, said she will now register the group as an official charity, with Tonia and Derek, also from Oswaldtwistle, named among the trustees.
Lisa Hilton, of the Hyndburn Helpers charity, has praised the support of local residents and businesses after fresh food was donated to help service users over the festive period.
She said: “The demand is definitely bigger this year than previous years.
“There are a lot of families coming down who are finding it extra hard this year and struggling to feed their kids. It’s more families than singles or couples.
“We have had enough fruit and veg donated to make an extra 45 food parcels to give to the service users. Every service user will get one to help them over the festive period.”
Around 40 homeless and struggling people attended the Saheli Centre on Charter Street in Accrington on Sunday, December 22, for the Curry Club’s Christmas party.
The event, organised by the Bahja Initiative, was also supported by pupils from The Hollins school’s Let’s Be Foundation.
A free Christmas Day meal for homeless, elderly and lonely people was held at Hyndburn Voluntary & Community Resource Centre in Accrington.
Bev Wood, of Hyndburn Helpers, said it was supported by volunteers from several different groups and more than 50 people had registered to take part.