Festive foods for the needy at Christmas

This is the 29th year running that readers have donated food and toys for families in need in this area.

And now the project has been given a boost with the help of two food stores.

Budgens and Londis in Sandy have both agreed to sell food for the appeal at a reduced rate so that more hampers can be filled.

Project co-ordinator, Ken Lynch, will be purchasing this cheaper food and he is hoping that kind-hearted individuals will contribute the money to do so. Readers can send him cheques made out to Ken Lynch for this purpose.

Staple foods and festive foods such as mince pies can also be donated by individuals, as can toys for the children.

Food is a particular priority. Ken said: “I know what the families want. Toys are needed but at the moment food is the most important thing.”

This year’s appeal is in collaboration with The Need Project, which is organised from Kings Baptist Church in Stotfold. The project provides vital food and other items for the needy in Bedfordshire and occasionally in North Hertfordshire.

The Need Project receives requests from social workers, housing agencies and other official bodies. Names are kept confidential and hampers are delivered subtly.

Donations can be dropped off at the Chronicle offices in Biggleswade High Street during working hours until Thursday, December 22 or they can be taken to Ken’s house at 4 Pyms Way, Sandy, SG19 1DD until Christmas Eve. Cheques should be posted to Ken or taken to his house. He will send a receipt for every cheque received.