Hundreds of families across Rotherham will enjoy a brighter festive period this year, thanks to the borough’s annual Christmas hamper scheme.
Now in its fifth successful year, the initiative is coordinated by Voluntary Action Rotherham (VAR) in partnership with 14 local organisations, working together to support households who may be experiencing financial pressures during the Christmas season.
The scheme is funded through £60,000 awarded by Rotherham Council through the Household Support Fund, helping local partners reach hundreds of households and ensuring the scheme remains a valued source of festive support.
Last year, the programme supported nearly 600 families and demand for help this year remains significant.
Through the funding, partner organisations, many of which are part of the borough’s food in crisis network, are able to distribute high‑quality festive hampers filled with food staples and seasonal treats. As well as providing continued support services to those in need.
Leader of Rotherham Council, Councillor Chris Read visited Sunnyside Supplies to meet volunteers and to lend a hand packing up the hampers.
Cllr Read commented: “While for many people Christmas is a chance to wind down and relax, for others it can be a moment of real pressure with budgets stretched beyond what’s manageable. But in so many ways you see Rotherham doing what we do best; rallying round, making sure no one gets left behind. It was great to be back with the team in Sunnyside, but across the borough there are groups doing the same thing and making sure that the magic of Christmas isn’t lost.”
Each hamper is carefully assembled by volunteers, who have dedicated their time to packing and delivering supplies directly to families’ homes throughout December. The contents are designed not only to provide essential food items but also to bring a sense of joy and relief during the festive period.
Sunnyside Supplies Coordinator, Tony Robinson, added: “We are very grateful to Rotherham Council for their grant and the help from VAR which has enabled us to provide Christmas hampers to over 40 households this festive season. This support is vital in helping local individuals and families during a challenging time of year.”
“This work would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our valued volunteers, whose time and hard work make a real difference in our community.”
