Raunds Church and food bank's gift shop receives town council grant to help struggling families this Christmas
A Christmas gift shop run by Nene Valley Vineyard Church and Raunds Food Bank has been given a cheque for £300 from the town council to help aid its quest to bring Christmas joy to families in the local area.
The cheque was presented to organiser Carolyn Tompkins by Cllr Helen Howell, who represents the town on North Northants Council, on December 5.
Cllr Howell said: "I was delighted to be able to present the cheque to Nene Valley Vineyard and the food bank, and see the amazing array of toys and gifts laid out ready to support local families this Christmas.
"We at Raunds Town Council are incredibly proud to support community projects that make a real and immediate difference to people's lives.
"The Christmas Gift Shop is a shining example of kindness and practical support in action.
"The council's grant scheme exists to empower organisations like Nene Valley Vineyard and Raunds Food Bank, who work tirelessly to lift up families in need and strengthen the fabric of our town.
"It's inspiring to see what can be achieved when community groups and the town council work hand in hand."
The Christmas Gift Shop provides parents who may be facing financial hardship during the festive period with the opportunity to shop for ‘high-quality’ Christmas presents, free of charge.
The grant of £300 from Raunds Town Council will help the shop to buy toys, gifts and essential items for hampers, as each child receives one main gift worth £25 to £30, three stocking fillers and age-appropriate extras.
Parents of children from local schools in Raunds, Thrapston Food Banks, Souster Youth Hub, The Kindness Shop and community groups are selected and given invitations to shop, making sure the charity is supporting families who need it most.
Last year, the Gift Shop supported a total of 62 families and provided 149 gift bundles, including 111 bundles for children in Raunds.