Yorkshire Water Santas’ early drop off at Bradford Central Foodbank

Big-hearted Yorkshire Water colleagues have donated sacksful of new toys and gifts to Bradford Central foodbank in readiness for the big day.

It’s the second year that Yorkshire Water colleagues have dug a little deeper, buying an extra present and donating it to the local charity so that families don’t have to miss out on the festive fun.

Josie Barlow, foodbank manager, Bradford Central foodbank, said: “Many of the families that we support at Bradford Central Foodbank are facing a Christmas without gifts for their children.  Economic pressure means that working parents are struggling to make ends meet and some children may wake up with little to unwrap on Christmas morning.

Colleagues have bought toys and presents, wrapped them and added an age range to the packaging so that the presents are age appropriate and will, hopefully, raise a smile on Christmas morning.

Emily Brady, communications manager, Yorkshire Water, said: “We know that our colleagues are really generous, many of them have their own children and understand how pressurised this time of the year can be.

“We were delighted but not surprised to see the collection points at Buttershaw, full to the brim of exciting looking parcels, worthy of the big guy in a red suit, himself. We hope that families enjoy the gifts and that it raises a smile this Christmas.  We have already committed to carry this on next year.”

Bradford Foodbank supports over 16,000 people in the city every year.  The cost-of-living crisis means that food donations have slowed down, whilst the demand for food support has increased

The charity also helps people with the root cause of food crisis by providing benefits advice, job coaching, family legal advice, DWP Job Centre advisors, housing support.