Norwich Charity Reports Record Demand for Christmas Support Hampers

Future Projects, a Norwich-based charity, characterized the unprecedented demand for its Christmas support hampers as a “double-edged sword.” The organization projects that the hampers will assist approximately 1,000 individuals this year, which represents the highest number in the 13 years the scheme has been operational. These parcels contain donated ingredients for a Christmas dinner, everyday food items such as beans and eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, Christmas crackers, chocolate, and toiletries. A team of about 50 volunteers delivers all these items. Grace Richardson, who manages the scheme, stated, “we’re seeing the best side of people as well as the difficulties.” She further explained, “We’re seeing people who are newly experiencing some deprivation this year, maybe living hand to mouth but not needing extra support.” Richardson added, “Of course we’ve all been through a tough time financially and there are new people this year.” The charity delivers some of the hampers directly to those in need. One of the volunteers involved in the distribution remarked, “it’s not much of our time or day [to help], but if everybody does [something] it adds up to a lot.” Individuals without access to cooking facilities, such as those staying in temporary accommodation, also receive parcels containing ready-to-eat items. Melanie Hullott, one of the beneficiaries of this year’s scheme, expressed that it was “lovely to know that there are still some good people in the world.” Ms. Hullott elaborated, “This year my mum has had a bad fall and broken her wrist and back, so this year has been really rough.” She continued, “I’ve always worked since I was 13. It’s been hard, really hard this year.” Hullott concluded, “The hamper will mean we’ll have a great Christmas and have food. We won’t have to worry about where the next meal is coming from.”