The Channel Islands Co-operative Society has launched a new Christmas in a Box campaign to bring some festive sparkle to Islanders in need.

Working in partnership with 12 local charities and organisations, the Society has filled the boxes with staples from its stores including tea, coffee, jam and shower gel as well as festive biscuits, chocolate and crisps.

In Guernsey the Co-op is donating 100 packages, which have been packed by employees, to Bright Beginnings, Guernsey Welfare, Age Concern, Safer and Project Sparkle. The Co-op will also prepare and distribute 388 Christmas in a Box packages to seven Jersey charities: the Salvation Army, Shelter Trust, Grace Trust, Freedom Church, Jersey Association of Youth and Friendship, Causeway Association and Sanctuary Trust.

The charities will then distribute the boxes and packages to those in need.

Ell Hopton, community and sustainability manager at The Channel Islands Co-operative Society, said: ‘This is a new initiative from the Co-op and we are really pleased to make a difference to people who will appreciate a little extra help this Christmas. There are many charities and organisations that go out of their way to support vulnerable people throughout the year and we know that 2020 has been an extremely challenging year for many.

‘This Christmas our aim is to provide boxes which bring a little festive cheer to those who need it.

Our teams have been working hard to collect the items and pack boxes and we hope they will make a difference to the Islanders who receive the treats.’

Rachel Copeland, director of Bright Beginnings said: ‘Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre is delighted and grateful to receive the lovely hampers provided by the Co-op which will bring a smile to the faces of all the families who receive them. 2020 has been such a difficult year and, for some, continues to be so. However, there have been so many acts of kindness and generosity of spirit and this donation from the Co-op exemplifies the continuation of Guernsey Together.’

The Salvation Army will receive 100 festive boxes to support local people in Jersey. Emily Smith, community centre manager, said: 'This Christmas is going to be different for all of us but for many it is also going to be extremely difficult as people find themselves financially struggling, out of work, or unable to see friends and family due to the pandemic. 

'We are having to do Christmas a little differently than planned this year but will still be delivering a Christmas dinner to a number of Islanders on Christmas Day. The donation of festive goodies from the Co-op means a huge amount to the Salvation Army and will make a big difference to those financially struggling or lonely this winter. Having a treat kindly donated will make all the difference to their Christmas Day.' 

This Christmas, the Society is also donating hand sanitiser and thermometers to charities and community groups, including Grace Trust and the Salvation Army, to ensure they are able to remain open to provide much needed services over the busy festive period. Organisations are invited to contact Ell Hopton on sustainability@channelislands.coop to arrange a donation