Volunteers show true Leigh Park spirit
VOLUNTEERS behind an annual donation drive of Christmas gifts in Havant have not let a global pandemic stop their efforts – and they say the community has been more generous than ever.
The Big Wrap event usually sees hundreds of people packed inside St Francis Church in Leigh Park to give donated presents the finishing touch before being delivered to families across Leigh Park and Havant.
But this year, social distancing means that only a dozen individuals could use the space – leaving a team of dedicated volunteers to work long hours throughout the week to ensure the gifts are ready for Christmas.
Co-ordinator Michelle Smith said: ‘It’s been a hard year, but we’re wrapping for over 100 families.
‘Because of Covid, we’ve only been able to get six tables in the hall – we’ve had people queuing up to help.
‘There’s been 12 of us working all week to get ready, working until 11pm.’
Alongside wrapped toys, games, and treats, more than 100 families will receive hampers full of everyday food items, fresh food, and classic Christmas staples, like mince pies.
Some of those previously helped by the Christmas giveaway have turned out to lend a hand, with Leigh Park resident Samantha Clark keen to help after the scheme supported her four years ago.
She said: ‘ We’ve been the last ones here a few times in the week.
‘When I was being evicted four years ago, they rescued my Christmas. I was so close to having a nervous breakdown.
‘Events like this shows what a community Leigh Park is – an amazing community. Even though Leigh Park gets a bad name, there are some lovely people around. We still get help from the Free Bank and the Food Bank, and we give back what we don’t need and help out when we can.’
Her 12-year-old daughter, Amy, agreed: ‘It really helps bring the community together.
Volunteer Rachel Bond, who runs the PO9 Food Bank, said the need in the community brought about by Covid-19 is ‘horrendous’.
She said: ‘It’s incredible the amount of people that have been affected.