OPERATION Community Hamper (OCH) is aiming to help 1,200 families and individuals this winter.
Charlotte Churchill, the charity’s founder, said: “We open our referral system on September 1 each year. Last year, we reached our target of 1,000 referrals on November 19. This year, we reached our increased target of 1,200 referrals by 1st October! This just highlights how many people in the community are still struggling and why charities like ourselves are being overwhelmed.”
As the festive season approaches, the OCH team is entering its most demanding period. Volunteers will be working evenings and weekends to process donations, wrap hampers, and ensure every gift bag is ready for delivery before Christmas.
With referrals rising, so too does the need for donations. The charity, which has many volunteers in the east Bristol area and in Keynsham, is calling on the community to contribute by Sunday December 7. Items needed include: toiletries, selection boxes, biscuits and chocolates, savoury treats and hot chocolate. All items must have an expiry date of January 2026 or later. A full list is available on the charity’s website.
OCH is also inviting primary schools to help create handmade Christmas cards to include in each hamper. With 1,200 hampers to fill, every card counts in making someone’s Christmas feel special.
Charlottee] said: “As OCH continues to grow, we are not only amazed but very humbled by the ongoing support of businesses and people in our community who continue to support us. Without them we wouldn’t be able to do anything and we remain eternally grateful to each and every person who helps us.”
There are dozens of collection points across South Gloucestershire, Bristol, and surrounding areas. You can find your nearest one using this map: Operation Community Hamper Drop off points – Google My Maps
OCH have confirmed two food collection dates at football matches: Saturday November 29 at the Bristol Rovers v Notts County match at the Memorial Stadium and on Wednesday December 10 at the Bristol City v Leicester City match at Ashton Gate.
While Christmas hampers remain at the heart of OCH’s mission, the charity’s work now extends throughout the year, providing food vouchers, financial assistance, furniture, and even family day-out vouchers to local attractions.
To keep up to date with OCH’s initiatives or become involved, visit: http://www.opertioncommunityhamper.co.uk or follow their Facebook page ‘Operation Community Hamper CIO’.
Key dates to remember:
Saturday November 29: Food collection at Bristol Rovers v Notts County, Memorial Stadium
Sunday December 7: Deadline for food donations
Wednesday December 10: Food collection at Bristol City v Leicester City, Ashton Gate
Friday December 12 – Sunday December 14: Christmas Hamper weekend