This Christmas we’re delighted to be re-launching our Operation Christmas campaign to ensure children in Colchester receive a Christmas present.
We’ve partnered with Colchester Foodbank to help them provide gifts for children whose family use the foodbank. This year the Cost-of-Living crisis has seen a huge increase in families relying on Foodbanks for essential food items, and as we all struggle with increasing fuel bills, Emmaus Colchester want to support families to have an enjoyable Christmas season.
We’re appealing to our supporters and local community to donate items for children aged 0-16. These can includes toys, games, stationery, books, luxury toiletries, sweet treats and gift vouchers. Presents can be donated to us unwrapped to our Emmaus Works store on 8-13 Osborne Street CO2 7DT until Saturday 10th December.
Families who are referred to Colchester Foodbank will each receive a voucher which they can take into Emmaus Works during 12th-15th December, where they can collect a gift bag and choose their gift! Operation Christmas is also being supported by Reed Colchester and Actual Radio, who are joining Emmaus Colchester in supporting families who use the Foodbank.
Gemma Aylesbury says: “One of the most important parts of the Emmaus ethos is solidarity and we believe in helping others in the community that are less fortunate than ourselves, proving that everyone has the capacity to make a difference to the lives of others.
“We’ve had such a brilliant response in the past from the local community. Last year we gave out 300 gift bags, which we know were really appreciated by the children and families, helping to add that bit of magic to their special day,” Gemma added.
Help us to spread festive cheer and make a difference to someone’s Christmas!