Sidmouth Rotary Club has thanked the local residents, organisations and businesses that supported its Christmas appeal - saying they demonstrated 'community spirit at its best'.
Building on the success of last year's appeal, the Rotary worked in collaboration with Sid Valley Food Bank to collect and distribute presents and treats for struggling families, children and elderly people.
They have now delivered 55 hampers to families, 45 hampers to the elderly and 1,200 presents to children. A further 60 bags of gifts will be distributed at the community lunch on Christmas Day.
One of the mothers who received a hamper said: “Thanks so so much for organising the hamper for us - I literally welled up with tears. Just that little help at the right time. There is so much financial pressure at the moment, especially this time of year too. It's so lovely to actually have those special Christmas treats we thought we weren't going to be able to afford this year. Also so grateful for the bag of presents too for the children. Thanks for organising it for us. So grateful xx”
Rotarian Mike Goodman said: "We had so many organisations making this possible; Devon County Council who gave us a sizeable grant from their community grant scheme, and Exeter Football Club which donated sixty shirts together with shorts and track suits. Fords of Sidmouth delivered all the hampers and presents and were a key sponsor.
"We had a special delivery service of all the hamper products from Tesco and their fantastic driver Daniel Gollop. Support from Sidmouth rugby and cricket clubs, the Salvation Army, Fields, several of the local hotels and St John’s School all contributed to this appeal.
"Our centre of operations was Sidford Hall who kindly allowed us access. During the last two weekends we had Rotarians, Sidmouth WI, the food bank and our MP Simon Jupp, wrapping and assembling the hampers. They used sixty rolls of wrapping paper in putting together special gifts for the children.
"We were fortunate to work closely with Sharon Church of East Devon Council, Tracey Tipton who is the family support advisor in Sidmouth and Una Markham who manages the food bank. They were able to identify those in need and were getting families right up to the day we started wrapping, we never turned a family away.
"We are also helping four families who have a child that attends the Hospice at Little Bridge Barnstaple, and we hope that we can bring a smile to them on Christmas day.
"My thanks to everyone who either gave money, gifts, or their time in making this a success. My vision was to do all we could to identify and help those in need at Christmas in Sidmouth and provide them with a hamper, voucher, and gifts for the children.
"This appeal demonstrates how generous and special Sidmouth people are - thank you all so much, and look forward to our 2024 appeal."
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