Blackpool Council has launched an appeal to help create hampers for children this Christmas, as Stuart Gilbert our Business Development Manager explains:

I want you to picture Christmas and what it means to you. For me it’s all about getting my family together and my little boy.

I suspect for a vast majority of people this picture will bear some resemblance to what they have in mind. But for looked after children leaving care it’s a much different story. Many live alone and won’t have family to go and spend Christmas with and they will miss out on a lot of the things we take for granted like Christmas sweeties and socks from the grandparents!

Because of this Blackpool Council are asking for donations to make these children Christmas hampers to help spread a little Christmas joy. When we saw the appeal, we quickly agreed we should get some bits to hopefully bring a smile to a few of these children’s faces - and if you’re reading this then please think if your company could too. It doesn’t cost much, and you will genuinely feel amazing doing it!

They are looking for all sorts of things that you would expect kids to want at Christmas, but the top 10 wants are

• Pringles / Doritos
• Chocolate Orange
• Selection box
• Chocolates - celebrations, heroes etc
• Sweets
• Biscuits
• Coffee
• Nuts
• Cans of Coke / Fanta
• New Socks - Girls size 4/6 Boys size 6/9

If you can donate then please contact kirsty.fisher@blackpool.gov.uk. They are looking to receive all donations by the end of November so that the staff have time to put all the hampers together, so get moving quick if you can send something in!