Observer Christmas Appeal launched

In a bid to help spread a little Christmas cheer across 1066 Country, we have picked two deserving causes as the focus for this year’s appeal – Hastings Foodbank and Bexhill Foodbank, which also has branches in Battle and Rye.

Over the next few weeks, we are aiming to collect as much food as we can to donate at a time of year when demand for the Foodbanks rises.

And the Observer will be carrying a series of features looking at the Foodbanks, what they do and the people who use them.

Simon Earl, project manager at the Bexhill Foodbank, said: “For Bexhill Foodbank to be the first Observer Christmas Appeal is a great honour and privilege. This must be indicative of the impact we are having locally in helping local people who are struggling in difficult times with food.”

Natalie Williams, community engagement manager for Kings Church, which runs the Hastings Foodbank, said: “We are delighted that the Observer is shining a spotlight on Foodbanks in the area at this time of year, which should be a time of joy but for some is a time of real hardship and misery.

“This campaign could go a long way to helping us put some of that joy back into some people’s Christmas.”

The Observer would love 
to hear from community groups and businesses who would like to donate to our appeal.

We will be receiving donations at our office every Monday and Friday, 9am-1pm, and every Tuesday, 9am-5.30pm.

Alternatively, an Observer reporter is based at the Bexhill Museum every Monday, 9am-5pm – pop in and ask for Laura Cooke, Jack Duggan or Richard Gladstone.

If you would like to make other arrangements, email [email protected]

What we are looking for: