Operation Christmas Hamper was established in 2020 by Charlotte Churchill in direct response to the amount of vulnerable families she was aware of, accessing local food banks during the time of the Covid pandemic.
About Operation Christmas Hamper
https://youtu.be/1Tl0Rx7gHag?si=e-fwnlUbd3QcMDHY
Operation Christmas Hamper provides luxury Christmas hampers for families/individuals in need. These hampers include high quality food items, as well as items that help make Christmas special but that are generally more expensive - including bottles of Ribena, hot chocolate, marshmallows, squirty cream, jars of Nutella, jams, pickles, and Christmas crackers. They also provide toiletries for the hampers, along with items such as washing powder and fabric conditioner.
Although their main focus is to provide Christmas Hampers, they have also provided for those in need throughout the year with supermarket vouchers and paying to top up gas and electric meters.
With the help of others in 2020, Charlotte organised 19 Christmas Hampers for vulnerable families; this initiative was repeated in 2021 and with 47 hampers. In 2022, more vulnerable families and individuals were struggling financially, due to the cost of living crisis. The cost of gas and electricity utility bills had increased, along with higher prices of food in the supermarkets, meaning that families and individuals had to make a decision between either buying food or putting their money towards their utility bills, with some not being entitled to the Universal Credit Cost of Living Payment to help top up their finances.
Due to this, referrals increased to the scheme, including those from schools, health professionals, nurseries and social services amongst others. There were 221 referrals in 2022, however 340 hampers were provided enabling OCH to support people who were homeless and the elderly.
In 2023, OCH became a Community Interest Company (CIC), to formalise the initiative and also allow applications for funding and enabling those companies wanted to, to donate financially - particularly for those not able to do so when OCH was not being a registered company.
With donations from the general public, as well as successfully securing funding from local and national businesses, they have partnered with Bristol Rovers FC, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Bristol City Robins foundation, Gas Girls, Her Game too CIC and more recently The Bristol Pitbulls to help raise the profile of OCH.
Along with food hampers, OCH we have also been able to provide presents for all the families that have been referred this year. This is in response to individuals having to sell their personal items to be able to buy baby milk for their newborn child - again the cost of living was still impacting on vulnerable families.
How you and your business can help
In 2024 they have helped lots of families access community activities which may be seen as day to day activities but to families in crisis going to the cinema, playing crazy golf, rollerblading, going to a coffee shop for a hot chocolate etc are things that are not easily accessible for them so we have helped families enjoy these experiential activities to enrich their lived experiences. 2024 looks to be even busier with the need being as prevalent so they hope to make 1000 hampers.
You and your business can help by providing:
Opportunities for experiences during the summer and school holidays
Items for the Christmas hampers
Toiletries and gifts as well as festive / food items
OCH need as much support as they can get so if you are interested in knowing more please contact Charlotte directly on 07971 875524 or the OCH team via email at info@operationchristmashamper.com
For more information go to www.operationchristmashamper.com
Mission Statement - Our goal is to help vulnerable individuals and families in the community who through different life situations are struggling.
Social Media Channels
Facebook: Operation Christmas Hamper group
Twitter/X - OCH1883
Insta - Operationchristmashamper23
With our sincere heartfelt thanks from all at the OCH team.
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