Local charity, Fair Frome, which runs the food bank, furniture bank, Food at Five and other projects designed to support people in the town who are in need, are stepping up their efforts in the run up to Christmas.
Bob Ashford, chair of trustees said, “As Christmas approaches, we look forward to time spent with families and friends and an opportunity to enjoy the many festivities and events on offer. For many in Frome though, Christmas brings added pressures and difficulties to provide food for their families and meet the expectations of children, whilst still having to pay the bills and keep a roof over their heads. The staff, volunteers and sponsors, with your support, are doing everything they can to help people during this period and provide some of the comforts many of us take for granted.”
Over the past weeks, volunteers and workers have been incredibly busy getting ready for what is one of Fair Frome’s busiest periods. In addition to their regular events, the charity will be giving out over 200 Christmas food parcels to families and individuals referred by local agencies. As well as festive food, the parcels also contain mini Christmas stockings knitted by Nifty Needles and filled with chocolates, courtesy of Rotary. In a partnership with five local Argos, Asda and Sainsbury’s stores, over 60 referred children will also receive brand new quality wrapped toys this Christmas.
In another partnership, alongside the Frome Children’s Festival, Mount Community Association and the Trinity Community Group, the charity is running three children’s parties in Trinity Hall, Frome Football Club and Christchurch School, on the 21st/22nd/23rd December respectively. There will also be a Holiday Hunger family cooking session on the 30th December at Trinity Hall. As usual, Fair Frome will also be supporting the Big Xmas Get Together on Christmas Day by providing food and volunteers.
The Food Bank will be open on its usual days, but closed on Christmas day and New Year’s day. In emergencies, the office mobile is on 07714 587129. The Food at Five project finishes on 19th December until the 6th January.
Fair Frome coordinators, Wendy Miller Williams and Lenka Grimes said, “This is an incredibly busy time of year for us all and we want to do everything we can to provide any additional support we can to those that need it.
“We would also like to take the opportunity to thank all our volunteers and supporters who give up their time all year round to help and really pull out all the stops at this time of year. We would also like to thank our sponsors and donors, without whom none of this would be possible.
“If you would like to donate, please do so via https://localgiving.com/charity/fairfrome. If you would like any more information about any of our activities/projects please call us on 01373 488578.
