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The 150 hampers will be given out to people supported by Everton in the Community programmes, including those facing social isolation or homelessness this Christmas
Blue Mile residents and local people supported by Everton in the Community will receive a welcome boost ahead of Christmas this year with the generous donation of festive hampers from Appreciate Group.
The donation of 150 Christmas hampers from the leading gifting and engagement company, which recently moved into new offices in Liverpool city centre, will be distributed to families living in the one-mile radius surrounding Goodison Park, also known as the ‘Blue Mile’.
They will also be handed out to participants from some of the charity’s programmes, many of whom find the festive period a challenging time of year.
A number of the hampers, containing items such as crisps, chocolates, Christmas gifts, hygiene products and non-perishable foods, will be donated to individuals in need who are experiencing social isolation or homelessness and will be attending The Blue Base on Christmas Day for a festive lunch courtesy of Fans Supporting Foodbanks.
Everton in the Community’s Neighbourhood team donates emergency foodbank parcels to 60 neighbouring families within the Blue Mile each month.
In addition to the emergency hamper, the neighbourhood team also works with the families on a personal action plan to highlight the primary and secondary reasons as to why foodbanks are needed. Where necessary, the team supports the residents with money management and housing advice and engages them on neighbourhood and Everton in The Community projects.
According to the club, the Christmas hampers from Appreciate Group will help support Everton Football Club’s underprivileged and socially isolated neighbours at a real time of need.
Sarah Atherton, Neighbourhood Manager at Everton Football Club, said: “We are very grateful to Appreciate Group for this generous donation of hampers that will provide a welcome boost to so many of our local residents and participants at a difficult time of year.
“A large percentage of the local families who have to access our emergency foodbank supply are in employment but Christmas is an expensive time of year with people often having to make the choice between food, presents or bills – these hampers will go a long way to helping our residents and participants have a happier Christmas. Thank you to all at Appreciate Group.”
Gill Taylor, Chief Transformation Officer at Appreciate Group, said: “Our purpose at Appreciate Group is to create more joy in the world, and we hope these hampers bring smiles into the lives of lots of people who may be finding life a bit challenging this Christmas.
“Christmas is such a special time for so many people, and we’re proud to be working with Everton in the Community to help make it so for people who may need some extra help. We know of the amazing work Everton in the Community is doing and see this as the start of a new relationship supporting our local communities and those who need us.”