The local community has been called on to donate items for Christmas hampers by the Hilldrop Community Centre. The items donated for the appeal will fill hampers for families with children, people with extra support needs, older people and those living alone.
The centre is particularly looking for festive food, toys and decorations.
Elaine Maffret, Head of Hilldrop Community Centre, told Islington Now: “When lockdown got under way back in April, Hilldrop Community Centre adapted its services to an emergency food response, offering a weekly food parcel to local families and individuals who were in need, and a contact point for further support. “
The community centre also worked with St George’s Mutual Aid volunteers to deliver food parcels to those shielding and isolating.
“It has been an amazing time with so many individuals and organisations stepping up to support us and the local community,” Maffret said.
“We have received fantastic donations from individuals and businesses, including our local NISA store, Marks and Spencers, and strategic support from Islington Council and the Octopus Network of Community Centres.
“The City Bridge Trust really enabled us to get this service off the ground and established; the Gunners fund also supported us with a huge bulk buy of non-perishables.”
“We have now launched a Christmas Appeal to make our Christmas food parcels sparkle and provide a wrapped gift for our isolated elders, our families with young children and members of our community that need support at this time.”
Donations are welcomed at the community centre Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm. Donations can also be made online via their website.
