Foodbanks in Bucks launch Christmas appeal

Foodbanks across Buckinghamshire are releasing their Christmas Appeals.

With current financial pressures and the colder months, a growing number of families are turning to foodbanks for help.

Christmas is no exception, with families struggling to offer their children presents.

The Baby Bank, which operates across South Buckinghamshire, released their Christmas appeal, which consists of a bag with a pair of new pyjamas, a new book, sweets and chocolate.

They take in donations for young children, up to the age of 16.

The aim with these Christmas bags is to ensure children can keep warm, escape reality when reading the book, and get a little sweet reward.

"We hear sometimes that that's the only thing children are getting."

Co-founder and CEO of the Baby Bank charity, Rebecca Mistry, said: "We've definitely seen an increase this year, and I think the number of families that we supported last year, we've already exceeded that number at the end of October and it's continuing to rise."

"We hear sometimes that that's the only thing children are getting."

Christmas can be a difficult time with external pressures to provide the best possible celebration.

Ms Mistry said: "It's affecting everybody and a lot of the families are worrying because you see all the posts on social media of people having the perfect Christmas and the reality is that this isn't the norm for everybody, and then children are going to school and talking about it."

"We just want people to know that the support is there."

Other foodbanks, such as One Can Trust in High Wycombe, released their Christmas appeal to encourage donations ahead of the festive period.

At One Can Trust, the Christmas appeal consists of festive biscuit donations and anything 'Christmassy'.

Christmas gift bag donations for both foodbanks end on the 1st of December.