Spread the joy this Christmas
More people in the Lincoln area are relying on charities to cover their basic needs such as food and toiletries.
That is why Hello Lincoln is supporting Lincolnshire’s Co-op’s Secret Santa campaign.
We’re inviting local people to spread warmth and cheer this festive season by becoming a Secret Santa for someone in need.
You can get involved by:
- Donating a present to someone who may otherwise go without at one of the Co-op’s travel branches.
- Donating essential food items in your local food store.
- Dropping sanitary and toiletry products into collection points within local pharmacies.
Sian Wade, Church Leader at Bridge Church in Lincoln, runs a project centred around providing vulnerable families with gifts for their children, which is supported by Lincolnshire Co-op’s Lincoln travel branches at the Carlton Centre and Tritton Road.
She says: “The number of referrals we receive has gradually grown overtime, but in the last few years, we’ve definitely seen a sudden spike – in 2022, we had 550 referrals, and in 2023, it jumped to 650.
“A lot of people would never expect themselves to be in the position to need this kind of support.
“However, it can happen to anyone, and we see that with every person that walks through the door. This includes working families who have seen a sudden rise in the cost of their bills, had a fire, or had a parent become seriously sick. When you’ve got no back-up, it’s hard to know where to turn to.”
The travel branches have Christmas trees decorated with gift tags that include details such as the age and gender of a child who may not receive any presents this festive period.
Customers can take tags away, choose a suitable present, and return it to the branch, so that it can be sent to the branch’s local toy appeal.
Holidaymakers booking with Lincolnshire Co-op have also donated £12,370 to the appeal throughout the year, and this money will be used to buy gifts that will be sent directly to the distributing charities.
Sian has witnessed how the appeal has helped people in previous years: “People have so much gratitude at what’s on offer for them and are often hesitant to take what’s available to them.
“Many people come in feeling worried or uncomfortable, reluctant to accept help. Fortunately, our wonderful volunteers are always on hand to guide them through and put them at ease.
“After coming to us and picking out some presents for their children, they know there’s one less thing to worry about. There’s tears every year – from families and volunteers.”
Two ‘wish lists’ have been created - one for food banks, and one for charities distributing hygiene products – to be dropped off in food stores and pharmacies. Lincolnshire Co-op members can choose to donate their dividend to their local food bank at the food store’s till, and customers can donate cash.
The Secret Santa campaign will support 43 food banks, 13 charities distributing toiletries and sanitary products, and 14 toy appeals across its wider region.
Sam Turner, Community Manager at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “What’s truly remarkable about our community is how connected we all are, and the way people come together to support one another in times of need.
“We want to nurture this giving spirit. So, if you’re able to buy and donate any toys, toiletries or food, we’ve made it as accessible as possible by setting up convenient donation points in our outlets.
“Everyone deserves to experience the magic of Christmas. Now, let’s work together to make that magic a reality!”
See also https://www.lincolnshire.coop/community/secretsanta