Local businesses help Oasis Academy Warndon make 60 Christmas hampers for vulnerable families

When staff and volunteers at Oasis Academy Warndon and the charity, Oasis Community Hub Warndon, set out to make 20 Christmas hampers for families in need, they got so much support they’re now aiming for 60.

Amey Lewis and Leanne Jones, both support staff, from the academy in Edgeworth Close, Warndon contacted local businesses and were overwhelmed with donations of food, toys and books from Asda, The Co op, The Works, Tesco, The Entertainer and Spar stores (via the Blakemore Foundation).

Fay Osbourne, Hub Leader at Oasis Academy Warndon and the staff member co-ordinating the Christmas campaign said; "It's been amazing, truly humbling and a real demonstration of community spirit."

"We asked each year group in the school, from nursery through to Year 6, to bring in a particular item to go in our hampers and we issued a ‘reverse advent calendar to school staff. You open a calendar door each day and you give whatever you see on the picture – pasta, tuna, tea, etc."

"It’s not right that anyone goes hungry at any time of year, let alone Christmas. Now with the local businesses on board, we’re able to deliver toys and treats as well as the basics."

The academy and Community Hub team have been working throughout the pandemic to support families struggling to feed their children. Local residents ran street collections to gather food which volunteers at the Community Hub delivered once a week to families.

"We also run a permanent community pantry and some of the food donated will be used to prepare nutritious ready-meals for times of crisis," says Fay.

If you've been inspired by this story to run a street collection or to support Oasis Hub Warndon, please see their Facebook page called Oasis Warndon Community Hub or Crowdfunder page via www.crowdfunder.co.uk/oasis-warndon-community-hub-christmas-hampers.

Not only are they appealing for continued support to bring a bit of sparkle to Christmas, but they want to say a huge thank you to everybody who has supported them to help local families this year.