Hampers bring seasonal cheer
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HUNDREDS of children in Runcorn were given a Christmas to remember after staff at Halton Borough Council staff and volunteers collected a huge haul of hampers and gifts for youngsters who might have otherwise missed out.
Mo Ball, Runcorn children’s centres early help officer, was tasked with co-ordinating the effort to give needy residents the chance to celebrate the Yuletide season in a way many take for granted.
In total, the initiative collected 150 hampers and gifts for more than 380 children.
The effort was supported by Asda, customers, and Ormiston Boling- broke Academy pupils and Runcorn’s ‘Mini Police’ helped to set up the hampers with help from the children’s centre team.
Cllr Tom McInerney (children, young people and families) said: “Many families in Runcorn have been hit hard by universal credit, low incomes or just hitting a difficult patch in their life.
“Health visitors, social workers, early help officers, locality workers, school and nursery staff have identified families that they feel would benefit from this initiative.
“Thanks to the kind generosity of other families, individuals and organisations such as Asda, Onward Homes, Runcorn Police Station, Runcorn Rotary, St Vincent De Paul Church, Oak Meadow, Sandymoor School, Half Way House, Runcorn Food Bank, Donate A Dinner, Windmill Hill Big Local, All Saints Church in Warrington and Halton Well North we have been able to create food hampers for 155 families and supply gifts for over 380 children.”
Claire Hunter, Runcorn children’s centres manager, said: “This starts in early September and is driven forward by the determination of Maureen Ball, who leaves no stone unturned to ensure she can secure maximum support and contributions from the community. She is a real credit to the team and will be sorely missed when she retires in March 2019.
“The overwhelming support from the community and organisations that work in Runcorn has been truly moving.”