Jim-Jams appeal has got legs
Pyjamas have been arriving thick and fast for the annual Jim-Jams for Jamie appeal.
News - Hattie Holt
October 25, 2021
For the third year on the trot, the Selby Times has teamed up with Selby and District Foodbank for our annual Christmas appeal.
The Trussell trust - which supports a network of over 1,200 food banks - including Selby’s, gave out a record 2.5million emergency parcels to people in crisis between April 2020 and March 2021. This was a 33 per cent rise on the year before, and saw 980,000 of these parcels handed to children. Last December, Selby and District Foodbank fed 497 people in the area - handing out 7,017 kilograms of food to hungry families. Some 2,384 more kilograms compared to December 2019.
Project coordinator Cheryl Whitton said: “The past two years have been so incredibly difficult for so many people. Many industries and business types have suffered because of Covid-19. “People who had never questioned job stability before, found themselves tightening their belts due to furlough or in desperate need to due to lost employment. “We have seen many people making very difficult financial choices often ending in the need for food support. As we head towards this winter there have rarely been such challenges facing families and individuals. “Those who were just about keeping their heads above water are now struggling with rising food and fuel costs, the end of furlough and the withdrawal of the Universal Credit uplift. Many of these families are working, have caring responsibilities, ill-health or disabilities.”
What can you do? To help with this ever-growing need, the Selby Times is asking residents and communities to get behind our 2021 festive food drive. We were blown away by the support and reaction to last year’s campaign, and hope to continue on from its success. Over the next eight weeks, we’ll be asking you to donate one or more items a week - so the foodbank can make up some cracking Christmas hampers to give out to Selby residents this year. Even if you are unable to donate this year, you can still help us by spreading our appeal far and wide.
Speaking ahead of our launch, Cheryl added: “As we look towards Christmas and beyond we want the people of Selby and the wider district to be assured that we will continue to be here to support you. “Let’s ensure everyone has a very merry Christmas. “If you are able, please support us to support the people in most need this Christmas.” Week one - 14/10/21 - Steamed puddings and custard Week two - 21/10/21 - Tinned potatoes and instant mash Week three - 28/10/21 - Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and long life milk Week four - 04/12/21 - Tinned soup, tinned vegetables and tinned fruit Week five - 11/11/21 - Tinned pies and tinned meat and fish Week six - 18/11/21 - Biscuits, chocolates, crisps and selection boxes Week seven - 25/11/21 - Stuffing and gravy Week eight - 02/12/21 - Toiletries Donations can be dropped off at the Selby Times office at 11 The Crescent on Mondays and Tuesdays between 9am-4pm and on Thursdays and Fridays between 9am-1pm.
Reporter Patrick Gouldsbrough with some of your donations. (21-11-36 ST/HH)
