Kind-hearted Raunds youngster raises money to buy care packs for the homeless

“It made me feel so sad seeing people on the streets and I just wanted to do something to make them feel better"
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A seven-year-old girl has raised money by selling her own items to buy special care packs for the homeless.

Isla Baggett from Raunds came up with a plan to raise funds and create special care packs for the homeless which she has donated to the Northampton-based charity, Hope.

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She had the idea after seeing homeless people when she was out shopping.

Isla Baggett, seven, from RaundsIsla Baggett, seven, from Raunds
Isla Baggett, seven, from Raunds

She often bought a cookie or hot drink for them however, in the run-up to Christmas she wanted to do more to help those less fortunate than herself.

Isla said: “It made me feel so sad seeing people on the streets and I just wanted to do something to make them feel better.

"So, I thought of the idea of care packs.”

Isla first needed to raise money to buy the contents for the packs.

Isla Baggett from RaundsIsla Baggett from Raunds
Isla Baggett from Raunds
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So she sorted out her playroom and bedroom and sold a selection of items, friends and family also donated funds, raising £150.

And the Raunds youngster added: “I sat with Mummy and we talked about how homeless people may be feeling and what they may need and then came up with a list.

"Socks, pants, long sleeve t-shirt, hats, gloves, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, water, notepad and pen, cereal bars, crisps, chocolate and sweets.

“I also included a Christmas card, so they know who it’s from and that someone is thinking of them."

Isla, aged sevenIsla, aged seven
Isla, aged seven
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Mum Sadie said: “Isla is such a kind, generous child, she just wants to make a difference.

"When she is older, she wants to be a paramedic so she can help people.”

Louise Danielczuk, Northampton Hope Centre's fundraising and marketing manager, said: “This is such a fantastic idea from such a thoughtful young lady.

"I am so impressed with how Isla thought of the idea, fundraised and then actually made the packs.

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“I know our service users will really appreciate the care packs and they will bring a smile to many people this Christmas."

And she added: “On behalf of Hope, thank you, Isla.”

The impact of Covid-19 has vastly increased unemployment and poverty and demand on the charity has increased four-fold.

Services for homeless people are a huge part of the charity, and Hope offers help through its day services, training and casework services to manage the impact of homelessness and help people move on.

The Hope Team also help people with other needs, including isolation, loneliness, addictions, mental health problems, abuse, trauma, as well as people who have none of these problems, but are just short of money.

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The linking theme is poverty, and poverty is central to their mission.

To ensure the charity can continue its life-saving and life-changing work this Christmas people can text HOPE4CHRISTMAS to 70460 to donate £5 or go to www.northamptonhopecentre.org.uk/hope-christmas/ to see how you can help in other ways.

Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.

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