BARROW Foodbank will be distributing Christmas hampers throughout December to give struggling families and people a festive treat.

The charity is collecting donations of traditional yuletide food treats and new Christmas gifts for children up to the age of 16, while also accepting its usual everyday food donations.

The Christmas hampers and children's gifts will be given in addition to the normal three-day emergency food packages that those in need receive.

Throughout today, tomorrow and the weekend, the Barrow Foodbank team are in Tesco stores accepting donated food items and Christmas gifts for the festive appeal.

The Barrow charity is expecting to a influx of people needing their help this Christmas.

Ann Mills, manager of Barrow Foodbank, said: "December will be a very busy period. Some people are in very desperate situations. The hampers are a Christmas treat and there are gifts for children. It is to help restore dignity and to help make Christmas a special time."

Barrow Foodbank, which helps low income families and people in need, expects that it will end up having to provide some 9,000 food packages throughout 2017.

Mrs Mills said the charity is starting to see the impact of the Universal Credit among the new claimants, and predicts things will get worse in the spring following the roll out of the new benefit system, which combines six benefits into one payment.

Mrs Mills said: "I think we will really start to feel the impact of the Universal Credit in June or July."


Foodbank Christmas shopping list

*mince pies *Christmas puddings and cakes *chocolate selection boxes *non perishable Christmas foods *tinned meats *Christmas crackers Foodbank store cupboard essentials

*breakfast cereals *soup *pasta *rice *pasta sauce/ tinned tomatoes *tinned beans *tinned meats/fish *tinned vegetables/fruit *Potatoes/ instant mash *tea and coffee *rice puddings/ sponge puddings *sugar * biscuits *UHT/ long life fruit juice *UHT milk full cream/ semi skimmed *snacks

Christmas Presents are also being collected for children under 16-years-old. These presents must be new. Food and presents can be donated at Barrow Foodbank or at Tesco stores.

Foodbank opening times

Barrow Foodbank , Abbey Road Baptist Church, Abbey Road (entrance on the corner of Park Drive), 01229 343436. Monday to Thursday 11am to 1pm, Friday 11am to 3pm.

Barrow Foodbank in Ulverston , Bethany Christian Church, Lightburn Road, Ulverston, 07542 112 976 (during foodbank hours) Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11am to 1pm.

Barrow Foodbank in Millom , Crown Street Baptist Church Hall, Crown Street, Millom, 01229 774601 (during foodbank hours) Tuesday and Friday 11am to 1pm.