Bristol Rovers are once again delighted to announce that we're working with the Operation Christmas Hamper campaign.
Operation Christmas Hamper was launched in 2020 during lockdown by Rovers fan Charlotte Churchill, who wanted to do what she could to help families in need. The once-small idea continues to expand with the growing support of the local community.
Charlotte runs a Facebook group with over 1200 members, all of whom band together during the festive period in order to curate and deliver hampers to families most in need. The hampers consist of luxury items, such as premium food, confectionary, and toiletries.
Last year Operation Christmas Hamper delivered 340 hampers, using items donated by Rovers fans at a collection point on a matchday, with the hampers being packed at The Memorial Stadium.
Check out last year's operation below. ⬇️
This year will see Operation Christmas Hamper expand to become a city-wide collaborative project, working with Bristol Rovers, Bristol City Robins Foundation, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, the Gas Girls, and Her Game Too in order to increase donations and funds raised, with the goal of delivering over 500 hampers to vulnerable families and individuals. However, reaching this goal depends on the support OCH receive from the community; donations received so far will only provide for 220 families.
Charlotte said: "The operation grew significantly since last year when Bristol Rovers and Gloucestershire Cricket Club started supporting us and has now expanded once more this year with Bristol City coming on board.
"I’m a true blue but some things are bigger than football and this is about a community coming together to help those in need, so I am so happy that there is an amalgamation of these clubs.
"I truly believe that if most of us were really honest we could all admit to needing a helping hand at certain times in our lives.
"In advance, I would like to thank you and everyone who supports this in any way, as no help is too small."
If you are interested in helping out or donating to this fantastic cause, please contact media@bristolroverscommunity.org.uk or
Charlotte's Twitter: @OCH1883
Facebook: Operation Christmas Hamper group
For donation suggestions as well as more information please click HERE.