About
Churches, schools, businesses and individuals work together to bring light and hope to people in Bolton who have had to put Christmas on hold due to illness, sadness or financial problems. Through the project, partner agencies (for example but not limited to; schools, churches, Bolton Council Teams, Housing Associations) all around Bolton are able to provide hampers for those they work with. Nominations come in from across a range of groups over November and December with hampers being made in December. On the 23rd December these groups are able to collect and deliver hampers to those they have nominated; bringing a gift from the town to those they work with.
What we do
Each hamper is made up of ambient treats such as mince pies, chocolate mints, gravy and cranberry sauce. It also includes a fresh element such as chicken, cheese and vegetables! The ambient products are collected by Churches, Schools, Businesses and individuals over November. We then count the items to make sure that each hamper receives the same types of items.
If there is an item that we don’t have enough of – then we shop!
Meanwhile, groups all across Bolton will be placing their nominations for people they work with. Then we are ready, along with a multitude of volunteers to make up the ambient part of the hampers. Boxes are made, filled and stickered with all the donations of Bolton. Those volunteer sessions are filled with excitement as people come to put love into each hamper that is put together.
A few days before 23rd December fresh items arrive and are bagged and then the distribution takes place on the 23rd. Distribution day is full of great joy as groups come to collect the hampers.
There is always a huge buzz around the building as the generous heart of Bolton comes to a full realisation. The hampers are taken and delivered to households all across Bolton; what a great way to end the year.
Impact
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately we don’t take self-referrals for the hampers. The nomination needs to come from someone you are working with. If you are unsure you can talk to one of the Food Team for clarification on 01204 385848.
We need both! Collecting items can be a really fun activity to do as a group. Alternatively you could fundraise money and go shopping – a bit like supermarket sweep! Please keep in touch with us about what you are thinking of collecting so we can make sure we have all items covered.
Please contact admin@urbanoutreach.co.uk for information on when our sessions are this year. We have limited numbers on each session so please make sure you book on!
