Dozens of Havering people have received a helping hand this festive period with a specially-made Christmas box filled with much-needed items.

The special boxes, which include fresh and non-perishable foods, toys and toiletries, were gifted to residents in need on December 23.

To make the gift boxes possible, the Harold Hill Community Hub worked in partnership with Havering Council, was supported by housing association Peabody, and received donations from construction group Wates, construction solutions company Madigan Gill, Time FM and local businesses.

The Harold Hill Community Hub has an on-site food shop where once a week, members can select 12 or more grocery items, worth around £15, and only pay £5.

To date the food shop has distributed over £17,000 worth of food and avoided over five tons of food waste.

In the new year, the hub’s services are planned to expand, with projects such as regular community coffee mornings.

Cabinet member for public protection and safety at Havering Council, Cllr Viddy Persaud, said: “Many families and individuals in our community are going through difficult times, especially in light of the pandemic, and we know Christmas can be especially challenging.”

Find out more at https://www.haveringcommunityhub.com/support-over-christmas