285 festive hampers for Salford’s struggling families this Christmas

A local charity has sent out more than 285 festive hampers to families in need across the city this Christmas.

Emmaus Salford gave out the hampers to members of their social supermarket, Lucie’s Pantry, which provides food and home essentials Salford residents struggling to make ends meet due to debt, illness, or low income.

The charity launched it appeal for monetary and gift donations in September, which raised over £1,403.

Worsley-based industrial gas company, BOC, collected items for the hampers and donated an additional £500 to go towards Emmaus Salford’s ‘Giving Grotto’ event which allowed Lucie’s Pantry members’ children to meet Santa. 

The family event, which took place on 17 December, was set up for members Lucie’s Pantry Each member’s child had the opportunity to meet Father Christmas at Emmaus Salford’s very own grotto and receive a gift. 

Jackie Smith, Business Development Manager at Emmaus Salford, said: “We provide a hamper for our Pantry customers each year. Our objective is to bring a little joy and something special at this time of year. This year we wanted to ensure that we can provide every hamper with the same core items. 

“BOC kindly stepped in and created a production line making around 285 hampers. At our ‘Giving Grotto’ on 17 December, BOC brought along Santa, and we had gifts wrapped for boys and girls of various ages to give away, as well as a tombola and additional items in the Pantry which we were able to purchase from the very generous £500 donation from BOC.” 

Lisa Clay, Business Development Advisor at BOC said: “We supported Emmaus Salford in Lucie’s Pantry over the summer as part of one of the BOC community engagement projects. We were really touched by the work completed by Emmaus Salford and wanted to do more.

“This Christmas we took on the challenge to pull together 285 Christmas hampers for families in need of support. The hampers were a great success; everyone involved really played their part and felt that they had made a difference.” 

To find out more about Emmaus Salford’s work, visit their website.