A new city-based charity is appealing for donations from the public to help them to help others this festive season.
Jo’s Hope is putting together hampers for families who would otherwise go without a Christmas dinner this December 25.
The charity - set up in 2017 - originally provided post surgery bras for breast cancer patients, but quickly expanded its support.
“We quickly learned that families suffering need much more and began branching out into delivery of high quality food bags for little cost across Milton Keynes,” Jo Tomlin told MKFM.
During the pandemic, Jo’s Hope delivered 1000s of food parcels - and demand has continued to grow since.
“Our books show that since we set up, we have directly helped over 40,000 people in Milton Keynes,” she said, “Whether through food parcels or general support. All the services we provide are free, however we need help to meet the growing demand of struggling families.”
The Christmas hamper parcels will allow families to feed themselves for a week.
Everything is purchased by Jo and her team with the help of financial assistance from locals and businesses, and last year they supported 42 families.
“We post a link to an application form that people can use to apply for help,” she explained, “We don't just offer support to people on benefits. We recognise that working people are suffering just as much especially if they are just over the threshold for government support. We always take a realistic viewpoint with all our programs and help who we can, as much as we can, whenever we can.
“This year we would love to be able to provide 70 hampers,” Jo said, and you can help to make that wish a reality.
The charity is seeking tinned goods, chocolate, crisps, cookies, cakes, gift cards, selection boxes and crackers.
“Anything that will benefit a family during the Christmas season,” Jo added.
Donations can be taken directly to their unit at 49 Barton Road in Bletchley (MK2 3HU). The deadline for the drop off is December 20.
Financial donations can be made through Paypal: paypal.com/gb/fundraiser/charity/4948978
