Christmas was a happier time for more than 70 local families thanks to the Christmas Food and Treat Packs given out by BFAN (Bedfordshire Food Aid Network).
The packs were made up from food donated by companies and local people with some donated cash used to buy extra goodies.
They included treats such as chocolate biscuits, mince pies, cakes, and sweets along with basic foods like cereals, pasta, soups, beans, and rice puddings.
BFAN worked with local schools to offer the packs to families of children eligible for free school meals.
“When your child receives free school meals because you’re on a low income, school holidays are especially hard,” said Kathy Lewis, Director of Preen CIC, a Community Interest Company which financially supports BFAN with income earned in its Reuse Centres in Biggleswade and Dunstable.
“Not only do you have to find the money for their lunches but as every parent knows, however hard you try and economise you end up spending more when the children are at home.
“The idea of these packs is to help ease that financial burden over the Christmas holidays.”
“Thank you to everyone that donated bits for the packs but special thanks to Biggleswade Sandy Lions, St Andrews Church in Biggleswade and Asda Biggleswade and its customers for their help and their generous donations.”
Typical says Kathy, is this message from one local mum who received a pack: “I just wanted to say thank you from me and my children, the packs that u have given us today have been overwhelming, the kids are so excited. The food is going to help so much. So again thank you.”
Food can be donated at Preen Reuse Centre on Sun Street during opening hours (Tuesdays to Fridays) and at local collection points.
A wide range of good quality used furniture and household items is available in Preen’s Reuse Centre and collection of bulky items suitable for reuse is FREE.
>To request a FREE COLLECTION telephone 01767 600332 or go online at www.preenreuse.com and click on ‘donate’.