Generous gifts to put smiles on hundreds of kids’ faces
HUNDREDS of children from families on the cusp of food poverty will receive an extra present this Christmas thanks to the generosity of Company Shop members in Leicester.
Company Shop, a redistribution supermarket, launched the campaign earlier in December to encourage shoppers to donate new toys, gifts and novelty items for children up to 16 years old by leaving them at a donation station in-store.
Hundreds of gifts were donated by members in Company Shop Leicester, which have now been distributed through the business’ social enterprise, Community Shop, to people living in deprived communities.
Ben Hughes, Company Shop
Leicester store manager, said: “Christmas is usually cause for joy and celebration, but for those on the cusp of food poverty it can lead to a great deal of financial hardship as they struggle to balance buying gifts and ensuring they have enough food in the cupboard.
“That’s why we want to say an enormous thank you to our generous members for donating so many wonderful toys and presents, which are sure to help bring a big smile to the face of many children and families across the region come the big day.”
Company Shop, based at Leicester Business Park, stocks products from major retailers and brands that are in date and perfectly good to eat, use or wear, but are deemed surplus and may have otherwise gone to waste due to reasons such as wonky labelling, seasonal packaging or overstock.
The store is only open to members.
Employees and pension recipients of the NHS, care services, emergency services, British armed forces, prison services and registered charities can apply at the address below. Community Shop is an award-winning social enterprise that said it aims to do more than just put food on people’s plates today. It said its approach builds stronger individuals and more confident communities by providing access to deeply discounted food.
It also delivers wrap-around support through life-changing personal development programmes that deliver real change for individuals and communities.
DONATIONS WILL GO TO FAMILIES ‘ON THE CUSP OF POVERTY’
For those on the cusp of food poverty, Christmas can lead to a great deal of financial hardship
Ben Hughes