Locals Helping Locals at Christmas Appeal

The Locals Helping Locals appeal is just what it says on the tin. It’s about local people and local businesses helping out people who live in Blackpool and who are in need this Christmas.

It was founded by Hayley Kay, above (Radio Wave, BBC Radio Lancashire, Coastal Radio) and her pals a few years ago. It’s snowballed into a fantastic community event. It’s estimated that around 10,000 local children and their families live below the poverty line in Blackpool.

10 years ago a group of mums decided that instead of buying and swapping Christmas cards, they would pool their money into a fund. They used the money to buy food items to donate to Blackpool Food Bank. At the time, they were seeing increased demand on their services. A social media post sparked a great deal of interest and the following year the event started to grow and involve more friends. More people were keen to get involved, donate and support the Food Bank.

The event grew at such a rate that the team needed a larger space in which to collect the donations that were coming in. As a result, the event was held at the Winter Gardens before continuing to grow. It’s now held at Sandcastle Waterpark where the donation centre takes over the whole of the Reception area!

Drop Off Point for Locals Helping Locals

Now in its 10^th year, Locals Helping Locals is back for 2024. They’re looking to collect donations of non-perishable foods, festive treats, hygiene products and toys to support those struggling in our local community. Details of this years event are on the graphic below. Once again, they’ll be able to collect your donations if you can’t make it to the donation centre. As ever your support is valued and they hope to see you at this year’s event.

The drop-off event will take place on Friday 22 November 2024 at Sandcastle Waterpark from 2pm – 6pm.

Members of the team will be on hand to assist with bringing in donations if required.

There will be live music throughout the event and you’ll be able to enjoy mince pies and hot chocolate throughout the afternoon.

Collections

The team are happy to arrange for collection of donations. Arrange a collection by emailing: marketing@sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk

Could you organise a collection in your workplace, but would struggle to drop it off at the collection centre? Please get in touch to arrange collection from your work place.

To arrange collections – please email marketing@sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk

What Should you Donate?

With more than 10,000 children in Blackpool living below the poverty line, any donation you can make will make a difference.

The Donation Centre has expanded in recent years. Once again this year, as well as essential food items, the team are also looking to collect toys and games in excellent condition for the Secret Santa Appeal, as well as toiletries. All items donated will make their way to a number of local charities and organisations. They’ll get them ahead of Christmas and in time to reach those in our local community who need assistance at this time of year.

Food Items:

Longlife (UHT) Milk
Tea
Coffee
Hot Chocolate
Cordials
Tinned meats, fish, pies, puddings, soups, vegetables, fruit, stews,
Cereals, rice, pasta, pasta sauces
Gravy, stock, sauces, condiments, pickles,
Mice pies, biscuits, Christmas puddings, selection boxes, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce

Secret Santa Appeal:

Become a Secret Santa and donate a gift for a local child. Toys need to be in excellent condition or new. Secret Santa Donations will be distributed to children across Blackpool, in association with local charities and agencies.

Hygiene Products:

Shampoo
Shower Gel
Deodorant
Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
Feminine hygiene products
Soap
Talc

A number of local charities and organisations ready to receive these items. They’ll be immensely grateful for anything at all that you can donate.

Achieve Great Things!

Please share this information with your family, friends and colleagues to spread the word about this years collection.

Last years Donation Centre was an outstanding show of community spirit and support. Your kindness and generosity went an extremely long way to putting food on tables for families and children in Blackpool and across the Fylde Coast.

Thank you.

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Locals Helping Locals