An Ipswich foodbank is calling on schools, families, companies and individuals to donate everything they can this winter to help more than 2,000 people already on their Christmas list.

Ipswich Star: FIND foodbank prepare for Christmas. Picture: JAMES FLETCHER PHOTOGRAPHY LTDFIND foodbank prepare for Christmas. Picture: JAMES FLETCHER PHOTOGRAPHY LTD (Image: Archant)

Families in Need (FIND) are launching their seasonal appeal this week to bring some festive joy to people affected by poverty and crisis in the town.

Thousands of children and adults from deprived communities are to receive Christmas gifts from the charity this year, alongside a range of food parcels and confectionary treats.

Appealing for donations, FIND founder Maureen Reynel MBE said: “Christmas can be a very difficult and distressing time for anyone experiencing poverty or crisis, especially families with children who are living in emergency or temporary accommodation and single older people who are housebound with no means of support.

“Food donations enable us to give two food parcels over the Christmas and New Year period to the many people in and around Ipswich who rely on our deliveries. We add some biscuits or chocolates and the Christmas gifts, which our volunteers sort and gift wrap so they are personal to the adult or child receiving them. It can make such a difference at Christmas to those who are in crisis.”

Inside each food parcel, FIND puts together £30 worth of basic essentials such as bread, canned foods, fruit, vegetables, dairy products and meat.

Donations can be made to nearby shops including all Suffolk branches of the East of England Co-op, Waitrose at Futura Park and Sainsbury’s at Warren Heath.

Mrs Reynel added: “Some local schools, church groups and employers have already volunteered to support the campaign and I hope this appeal for gifts and more food supplies will raise awareness amongst the whole Ipswich and wider Suffolk community.

“We also welcome cash vouchers, which help us to top up the donations by shopping for what we need.”

FIND has been providing emergency assistance, food parcels and Christmas boxes to hard-up families in Ipswich for almost 26 years.

Those interested in making a donation are also encouraged to contact the foodbank directly.

People who wish to donate Christmas gifts are asked to call Mrs Reynel on 01473 833351.