Ribble Valley Council staff launch Christmas gift appeal to support cash-strapped families

Kind-hearted council workers have launched an appeal to bring festive cheer to families feeling the pinch.

Ribble Valley Borough Council is running a community Christmas gift appeal to support cash-strapped families facing financial hardship due to the cost-of-living crisis.

And you can join in the appeal which aims to prevent local children and young people in Ribble Valley going short this Christmas.

Council health and safety officer, Lucy Hogan, who came up with the idea, said: “We have been working with local charities, partner organisations and our service providers to identify families who may benefit from a bit of support this Christmas.

“We’ve asked them to tell us of a modest Christmas gift that they would genuinely appreciate receiving. These gift requests have been written onto individual gift tags, which are available in a donation box located at the council offices reception in Clitheroe.

“We’re inviting members of the public and local businesses to join council staff in selecting a gift tag and purchasing or making the gift. It’s nothing too complicated but will hopefully help to bring festive cheer to families facing hardship.”

Each gift tag features the recipient's age, gender and the requested gift.

People are asked to pick a gift tag and return the gift to the council offices in Church Walk by Monday 21 December.

The gift should not be wrapped, but ideally placed in a gift bag, so that it can be checked and matched with the correct recipient before delivery.

Lucy added: “The gifts will be distributed to recipients before Christmas and will help to ensure they experience the kindness and generosity of their fellow Ribble Valley residents, and know they are not alone.”