Who do you know who has shown a little kindess in Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford?
The Express is urging readers to join in with the amazing work going on to help the area’s most vulnerable by backing our Give A Little Kindness campaign.
We will be highlighting the incredible efforts of charities, businesses, groups and individuals who are trying to make sure everyone has a reason to celebrate this year.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWe will also let you know how you can get involved with their appeals, whether it be by putting some extra items in your shopping basket for a food hamper, or making an online donation.
While Christmas is a time for many to enjoy, there are those in our area who will struggle.
They may be facing a festive time crippled by loneliness or the pressures of economic hardship.
The pandemic has put extra strain on so many this year, bringing extra financial, isolation and relationship strains.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRegistered charity Pontefract Community Kitchen are a group of volunteers who feed people in need by collecting donations, serving hot food and preparing meal packages.
The community kitchen’s new premises have reopened to feed those in need after volunteers had to close their former badse at the beginning of lockdown.
A team of Airedale residents have organised visits from Santa, Mrs Claus, and The Grinch for local kids.
Support worker Claire Wilson began making festive hot chocolate cones for her work colleagues’ children as a lockdown lift-me-up gift as Christmas approaches.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe Real Junk Food Project, based at The Ridings in Wakefield city centre, will be bringing a bit of Christmas joy to every household in West Yorkshire
The charity has said it will be delivering free food hampers and gifts during the festive season.
It was due to put on a Christmas dinner for families in Leeds in December but the event has been cancelled due to lockdown.
Instead, the project will be providing every household with a free food hamper and presents during December.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAdam Smith, founder of TRJFP, said: “Let’s not let Covid 19 beat us this Christmas and let’s make sure no matter what everybody gets food and gifts this Christmas.
“This year has been an incredibly tough year for absolutely everybody and no judgement will be made.”
Families and households can register to receive a delivery between December 1 and December 23.
Parents, staff and children at a Castleford nursery have collected and gathered 50 boxes of toys to send as Christmas presents for kids in less wealthy countries.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdNew Moon Nursery on Barnes Road gathered the gifts as part of the Samaritans Operation Christmas Child scheme.
The community also donated items of clothing to the Fairburn Clothes Bank, which will be delivered to people in need across the district.
Over the coming weeks, we will be speaking to people that are doing their bit this Christmas.
Please email [email protected] if you know someone who deserves recognition.