Lyme Regis Foodbank supports 108 children at Christmas

Foodbank volunteer Jenny Short alongside Sue Davies, Chair of Lyme Forward, Cllr Michaela Ellis, Mayor of Lyme Regis and Martin Davies as they prepare Christmas gift bags

Christmas gift bags and festive hampers have been provided to 108 local children and their families by Lyme Forward, which runs Lyme Regis Foodbank.

The Woodroffe, Mrs Ethelston's, St Michael’s and Charmouth Primary schools identified young people who would benefit from a little extra support this Christmas.

The gift bags contain age-appropriate items including a creative and learning toy while the hampers are packed with everything a family needs for Christmas Day.

Sue Davies, chair of Lyme Forward, commented “We were keen to support children and their families identified by local schools as being in need.

“The demand for support was much higher than last year but thanks to a vital grant from Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Committee, Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, the generosity of local individuals, businesses and a fantastic team of volunteers, all the requests for support were matched. 

“There are many families in our local community that struggle on a daily basis, and we hope the gift bags and festive hampers make an enormous difference during the Christmas period, helping alleviate the financial pressures and allowing people to celebrate the season rather than simply existing through it.

In recent months the foodbank has experienced higher demand for services. The rising cost of food and energy, low pay and delays in universal credit are the most common reasons people need emergency food support.
Those wanting to support the foodbank can leave donations of food items at the Co-op in Lyme Regis, Uplyme Post Office and Stores and Morgan’s in Charmouth, as well as the local churches. Weekly requests are detailed on the Lyme Regis Foodbank Facebook page.

Financial donations can be made online at lymeregisfoodbank.co.uk/donate