The Herts Advertiser is backing a Christmas appeal to support charities helping vulnerable people over the festive period.
The Love Herts initiative by the Hertfordshire Community Foundation is urging people to give £5 to charities like the St Albans and District Foodbank, and help people like Sarah.
Sarah (a pseudonym), a St Albans mum and victim of domestic abuse, said: “I was struggling to make ends meet and a support worker gave me vouchers so I came to the St Albans and District Foodbank.
“I have used their services for over two years and they have done so much for me and my family. I don’t know where I would be without their help.
“They have not just helped me with supplies but also with financial advice and even personal issues. I know they are a phone call away when I am feeling low.
“Last year, if it wasn’t for them my children would not have known it was Christmas. They brought us a hamper with turkey, fruit, and even presents.”
Foodbank manager Emma Dalton said: “Foodbanks offer food and hope to people in crisis. One mum told us her daughter’s first Christmas was taken care of with help from us.”
A donation to the Love Herts appeal will help give a hot meal to a rough sleeper or a child living in poverty.
It could also buy appliances like a washing machine or a child’s bed.
Herts Community Foundation director Helen Gray said: “With 10 per cent of the county’s population in areas of deprivation we are keen to do more this Christmas to help those in need. “This is why we are calling on local residents to ‘give where you live’ and donate £5 or more.”
To find out how visit www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/hertscf/loveherts, or send a cheque payable to ‘Hertfordshire Community Foundation’ to Foundation House, 2-4 Forum Place, Fiddlebridge Lane, Hatfield Herts AL10 0RN.
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