Hampers away! York College & University Centre teams up with local charity to bring festive cheer to families in need

York College & University Centre’s annual Christmas charity collection has seen around 40 boxes of produce on their way to help struggling families across the region.

Staff and students donated food and other products throughout November and December, to create hampers which will be distributed over Christmas, by The Besom in York charity.

Maya James, a volunteer for The Besom in York, visited the College to collect the donation and describe the difference a hamper can make to a struggling family.

“Besom has had an unprecedented number of families approach us for assistance this year,” she said. “With fuel and food prices going up - these donations mean a huge amount to the people who need them.

“The joy on peoples’ faces when we turn up with a hamper is phenomenal; they are often moved to tears by the generosity of the people of York.”

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This year the collection was overseen by Clare Kirton, a Law Tutor at York College & University Centre. She said it was “heart-warming and impressive” to see how the College has rallied together, for a worthy cause.

She added: “It’s particularly poignant because we recognise it’s a been a difficult year for many. This has been a truly collegiate and huge effort from all areas – students and staff.

“The pleasure comes in the giving, and also the pleasure you know is experienced by the people who receive these hampers.

The collection also received a boost from the team at Tesco on Tadcaster Road, which donated produce boxes and wrapping paper for the effort.

Jo Meier, Community Champion at the store said: “Here at Tesco, we are proud to help support York College and this charity event.

“It is so heart-warming and makes us proud to be part of what the students are doing. We hope to continue to help the amazing work they are doing.”

To find out more on the work of The Besom in York, go to The Besom In York | Love. Pray. Give. Go.