NEWTOWNARDS councillor Steven Irvine is calling on organisations in the town to donate items for Christmas hampers, which will be delivered to those most in need.
Mr Irvine revealed how the initiative, which has been ongoing for a number of years, was at risk of not going ahead this year.
He added: “Thankfully, Tracy Boyd-McVea has stepped forward to coordinate this year’s campaign and ensure that no one is left behind. Tracy’s commitment to community work is second to none — many will know her from her days with The Warehouse and her continued efforts to support local families.
”Tracy has already engaged with local community groups, The Link, and The Salvation Army to help deliver the project. Both The Link’s charity shop on Regent Street and The Salvation Army have offered safe spaces for donations to be collected. In addition, community groups across the town will each run their own local collection points.
Mr Irvine continued: “We plan to distribute the hampers during the week beginning December 19, with a goal of delivering at least 300 hampers to those most in need. Tracy has also secured 250 ready-cooked Christmas dinners which will be distributed throughout various communities.
”The Ards and North Down councillor went on to explain: “To make this happen, we are seeking support from local businesses — either through financial contributions or food donations. We estimate that approximately £3,000 will be needed to complete the project.
Every penny raised will go directly towards purchasing food for the hampers, and receipts will be available for inspection to ensure full transparency.”Items requested are cereal, pasta and rice, tinned vegetables, tinned meat, jars of cooking sauces, biscuits and shortbread, sweets and chocolate, tinned beans and spaghetti hoops, tea, coffee and sugar; diluting juice; Shloer and selection boxes.Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at the Link charity shop or the Salvation Army centre.
Collections can be arranged by contacting Mr Irvine on 07801 072549 or Tracy Boyd-McVea, email tracymcvea1234@gmail.com or call 075 6674 5016.Others helping with receiving donations and collections include WestWinds Development Association, Scrabo Residents’ Association, Bowtown Community Development Group, Together Towards Wellness, Newtownards Community Wellbeing and Advice Association, Greenwell Star FC and local schools.
