Christmas donations gift demand up, charities say
Summary
Christmas charities in Chard and Taunton say they expect to help more families this year while receiving fewer donations. Organizers say rising living costs have increased requests for gifts and referrals from support services.Key Facts
- The Chard Christmas Present Appeal reports higher-than-usual demand and fewer donations this year.
- Founder Martyna Lee said the appeal relies entirely on donations and receives no funding.
- Lee started the appeal in 2019 as part of the Lord's Larder food bank in Chard.
- Christmas Sparkle gave about 500 individual gifts in 2015 and around 10,000 last year, according to founder Gill Harrison.
- Christmas Sparkle expects requests to rise further this year.
- Christmas Sparkle works with schools, social services, police, women's refuges and community nursing teams.
- Harrison said these services have increased their referrals to Christmas Sparkle over recent years.
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