Of a great Christmas
South Wales Evening Post, launched its Everyone Deserves a Christmas campaign.
“Not just to help the homeless but hard-up families who are struggling to get by, many as a result of Universal Credit.
“People across South West Wales were determined to give. Donations of food, toys, clothes and cash were given to a network of charities to help people to survive the festive period and put on Christmas lunch in community centres for those who couldn’t afford a turkey with all the trimmings.
“Such was the need for the campaign, the campaign has been launched again this year to help step in and play Santa for those who need it.”
Jonathan Roberts, editor of the Llanelli Star, said he hoped readers would make sure everyone is treated to a Christmas to remember.
He said: “As a local newspaper, it’s our job to tell the stories that affect our community, and over the past few years, we have all noticed a growing number of those stories are about families facing hardship.
“We have also had the privilege of featuring the tremendous effort of hardworking groups and volunteers who try to help them.
“Sadly, with the problems only set to worsen over the festive period, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Universal Credit, stocks of essentials are set to be tested, let alone a few luxuries to try to cobble together some sort of celebration.
“Many families are facing the prospect of cancelling Christmas altogether. So we want to try to help, and we hope our readers will rally to the cause, as you have done so many times before.”
Mr Roberts added: “We know Christmas is an expensive time of the year, but any help, no matter how small, could go a long way to bringing an unexpected reason to cheer for a family this year.
“After all, everyone deserves a Christmas.”
AMs and MPs have pledged to offer their offices to act as collection points for this year’s appeal.
We are asking people to give Christmas carrier bags of donations towards the good cause and we are calling on a range of items to be donated – a tin of ham/chicken or salmon, a small jar of apple or cranberry sauce, a small fruit cake or small pack of shortbread or chocolate biscuits, sweets, a bar of chocolate, and gingerbread, along with a pack of assorted nuts, nuts and raisins – so they can be handed out to those in need.