Surge in families reliant on donations this Christmas

Charities in Lincolnshire say they’ve seen a steep rise in demand in the last few years, with more and more people, including working families, needing support with basics like food and toiletries.

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, 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.”

Lincolnshire Co-op’s community initiative, Secret Santa, aims to inspire the gift of giving during the festive period, and help those who are struggling in a challenging economic climate.

People can contribute by donating essential food, hygiene, and household items, or by gifting a present to a child who may otherwise go without.

Within Lincolnshire Co-op’s 13 travel branches, Christmas trees are 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.

With no Lincolnshire Co-op travel branch in Scunthorpe, Messingham Food Store is also collecting for its local toy appeal.

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.

Reflecting on the reaction from toy bank recipients who have benefitted from this appeal in previous years, Sian said: “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 - and locals can drop off food donations in one of Lincolnshire Co-op’s 99 food stores, while hygiene donations can be left in collection points in one of Lincolnshire Co-op’s 44 pharmacies.

Dorothy Gaughan is the Co-ordinator at Grantham Food Bank, a service providing vital supplies to people facing hardship. It’s supported by Lincolnshire Co-op’s Grantham food stores, Springfield Road and Barrowby.

Despite having only worked at the food bank for just over a year, Dorothy has already noticed a rise in usage.

She says: “The cost-of-living crisis is still taking its toll on our community. As a result, we’re experiencing higher levels of demand and less donations. It’s not because people don’t want to help, they simply can’t afford to.

“Each year, our figures show we’re seeing usage go up by around 20%.”

As well as being able to donate goods instore, 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.

Dorothy says: “We can really struggle for donations in the months following Christmas, and that’s when we start to rely on cash donations to buy essential items ourselves, ensuring that we can continue supporting families in need.

“If you’re able to support us and want to help, any donation is gratefully received and will make a massive difference to someone in need locally.”

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Secret Santa campaign will support 43 food banks, 13 charities distributing toiletries and sanitary products, and 14 toy appeals across the local area.

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!”