Christmas Hamper Project

Burgess Hill’s Christmas Hamper Project Supports Hundreds in Need

In a heart-warming display of community spirit, Burgess Hill Town Council has taken the lead in organising the Christmas Hamper Project, which has brought together volunteers, local businesses, and organisations to support vulnerable individuals and families in the Burgess Hill area. This year, the project supported 486 adults and 256 young people, providing them with essential food and festive items during the holiday season.

The assembly of 253 hamper boxes was achieved in a single day at Kings Church, with an incredible effort from the local community. The project’s success is the result of a collaboration between the Town Council, Kings Church, Burgess Hill Youth, Burgess Hill Foodbank, and the Burgess Hill and District Lions. Local schools including Burgess Hill Academy, Downlands Community School and St Paul’s Catholic College contributed items as their schools acted as collection points. These items were very much appreciated.

A big thank you must also go to local businesses to include:
Steve Willis Training Centres who generously provided the boxes for this year and subsequent two years; Parkers Vehicle Services who generously provided a vehicle free of charge that assisted with the purchase of food; MCL Telecom; The Triangle Leisure Centre; RBPM Direct; Bennett Christmas Insurance; Acora IT Support West Sussex.

The hamper boxes were distributed to those who are most in need, offering support to individuals and families facing challenging circumstances. The boxes were created by volunteers last week at the Church to include support from businesses Cambridge Audio for providing 4 volunteers and Canon Europe. School pupils from Downlands also assembled the boxes as well as three staff members form Mid Sussex District Council.

Councillor Peter Williams, Leader of the Council, expressed his appreciation for the team’s dedication, saying, “I have been very impressed by the hard work and dedication that has been given to this project, and we were privileged to make deliveries on Sunday to those who are in need or vulnerable. The responses we got from them were heartening and made it all worthwhile.”

The Christmas Hamper Project is a testament to the power of community involvement and the kindness of local businesses and residents who came together to make a difference. The Town Council and its partners are grateful to all those who contributed time, resources, and support to ensure this important initiative was a success.

For further information, please contact: Jennifer O’Grady Head of Community Engagement on 01444 247726.

Below are few pictures of the event