As the cost-of-living crisis bites, Bristol Rovers and Gloucestershire County Cricket Club are proud to team up to help a kind-hearted Keynsham mum make Christmas dreams come true for those who most need it.
Operation Christmas Hamper started in September 2020 in the midst of Lockdown, when Charlotte Churchill - service manager for Always Precious, a company that works with families in crisis – decided that no child or parent should go without a gift on Christmas Day.
As well as each member of the families that Always Precious work with receiving a bespoke Christmas present bought anonymously by a member of the community, wrapped up and signed with love from a Christmas friend, Charlotte also makes luxury hampers – and that’s where Rovers and Gloucestershire come in.
Using The Memorial Stadium as a base on the day after we play Port Vale in League One (Saturday, December 10th) Charlotte and her team will be packing the hampers with all those extra goodies that make Christmas but that are generally expensive.
A list of suggested items can be found at the bottom of this story.
Rovers fan Charlotte said: “Having a big space at The Mem will make the job so much more effective and swifter, plus it’s my very happy place and has been since we started playing there!”
Gloucestershire Cricket Club will also act as a collection point for anyone who wishes to donate before Saturday 10th December. Donations will be accepted at the club’s reception at the Seat Unique Stadium, Nevil Rd, BS7 9EJ. (Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm & Friday 9am-3pm).
Jess Jones, Community Programmes Officer, said: “At Gloucestershire Cricket Club, we are always looking at ways we can support our community both in Bristol and wider Gloucestershire. We are looking forward to working with Bristol Rovers, our nearest neighbours, to help support Charlotte and her team in this amazing initiative and help make a difference this Christmas.”
Charlotte, 49, has a Facebook group with 600 members in it. The group aims to make as many Christmas hampers as possible and package toiletry hampers and second-hand good quality toys and gifts, as some parents have no money to buy their children anything.
The mum of three added: “I am overwhelmed and so grateful for the support from BRFC and Gloucestershire Cricket Club.”
Adam Tutton, CEO of Bristol Rovers Community Trust, said: “We are delighted to support Charlotte in this initiative. She is a wonderful woman, and her support to our wider community is outstanding.”
If you are interested in helping out or donating to this fabulous cause, contact media@bristolroverscommunity.org.uk, community@glosccc.co.uk or at
Twitter: @Jugglingmum2011
Facebook: Operation Christmas Hamper group
Suggested items for donation:
Hot chocolate
Marshmallows (for hot chocolate)
Small chocolate pieces or sprinkles for the top
Squirty cream
Tubes of sweets/chocolates
Tubs of Celebrations, Roses etc
Pickles, chutneys and jams
Nutella, honey
Cakes - mince pies or festive cakes
Pringles/Twiglets/Cheeselets
Tea bags
Coffee
Boxes of latte/caramel latte/cappuccino
Variety boxes of cereal
Boxes of chocolates
Selection boxes
Boxes of biscuits for cheese
Stuffing
Bottles of Ribena or similar
Sweets
Christmas crackers
A voucher for Greggs or similar (that only food can be bought in).