Community hub launches Christmas appeal to help support Craigmillar families

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. A community hub in Craigmillar has launched its Christmas appeal in a bid to help local families this festive season. Hays Community Hub on Hays Avenue is calling on local businesses and organisations to help fill Christmas food parcels to ensure that families in Craigmillar enjoy as festive meal regardless of their circumstances. The Hays Community Pantry, which is run by social enterprise Places for People, supports more than 600 members and welcomes over 70 shoppers through its doors every Wednesday. A team of volunteers help to provide essential food items for those who need them most, with work now beginning to fill Christmas boxes. Christmas essentials such as tinned and dried goods, Christmas puddings, biscuits, chocolates, sauces, stuffing, long-life milk, toiletries and household items are being sought to fill the free boxes. Alongside food donations, toys and gifts are also being welcomed by the team as they anticipate an increase in demand during the festive season. Head of Social Impact Jamie Dickinson said: "Everything we provide to our customers at Christmas is completely free, and none of it would be possible without the generosity of our community. 'Every year we see first-hand the difference that practical support can make to families facing financial pressures. Whether it's food for a Christmas dinner, a gift for a child or a Christmas Eve PJ Box, these small acts of kindness help bring joy, dignity and comfort to local people. 'We're encouraging businesses of all sizes to get involved this year. Whether you collect a handful of items or a larger donation, every contribution will make a real difference." Businesses interested in organising a Christmas Food Drive can get in touch with Hays Community Hub to arrange directly.