A FOODBANK in Chard is running a Christmas present appeal to do "something special” for the community.

The Lord’s Larder Foodbank, on Fore Street, is encouraging residents to donate and help the community.

The first appeals were launched during Covid and then volunteers decided to help the community by collecting presents for Christmas every year.

Martyna Lee, one of the volunteers at the foodbank, said: “We have seen the increase in the number of people being referred to us since the cost-of-living crisis started, but at the moment we are doing really well, we have a great community.

“We mainly received food donations but also money, so we can buy whatever we are short of.

“We started just before Covid but we carried on throughout the pandemic and then we decided to start with the presents to help kids.

“We have been able to help a lot of families and we had parents crying and saying we made their Christmas.”

The foodbank team shared a message on social said saying: “Every year during Christmas time we do something special for people who are referred to Lord’s Larder by designated agencies.

“We really would like to do the same this year, especially during these hard times and when many are facing financial struggles. We are starting the appeal early this year, to give more time for people to donate if they are able to.

“Last year we were blessed with lots of donations from our community and we were even able to give a few presents to each child.

“If you would like to support our Christmas Present Appeal you can do so by donating new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present. Gender: Boy/Girl/Unisex, Age group: 0-2, 2-5, 5-10,10-16

“The deadline for sending gifts is Friday, November 18 and they can be dropped off at Forefront Centre in Fore Street - Monday- Friday between 10.30-12.30pm.”

Anyone wishing to donate, but unable to get to the centre can call the office on 01460 66080 or e-mail office@forefront.org.uk to arrange a collection.