Christmas Hampers 2023 - Delivering to the community

For many, December can be a time for fun and over indulgence. For others, the festive period can be anything but, especially for parents. Finances will be stretched to the point where even marking the main day with a traditional meal could be out of the question. Christmas 2023 was as difficult as the previous year. Possibly more so.

During December, the Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre were proud to team up with Community Dreams to provide a Christmas Hamper to many deserving families. Our resources are limited but we try to provide the essentials; vegetables, turkey (or alternatives), snacks and chocolate as well as a Christmas pudding. We even include some crackers! As well as these items, we do our best to include some appropriate toys or gifts for any children we are aware of in the home.

In 2022 we delivered 60 hampers bringing some joy to children and communities who have it tough. December 2023 saw us packing and distributing 111 hampers – an increase of 85%. All of this was made possible through the generosity of businesses and individuals who donated items and time.

We’re proud of this achievement although worried about the year-on-year increase. Let’s hope Christmas 2024 brings better tidings.

Our thanks go out to Community Dreams and the many schools and businesses who contributed to this outstanding effort including, Boar Valley Bakes, Ystradgynlais Butchers.