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An urgent appeal has been issued for toy donations for families struggling this Christmas.<\/p>\nAn urgent appeal has been issued for toy donations for families struggling this Christmas.<\/p>\n
The North Belfast Advice Partnership and the People\u2019s Kitchen are operating in Belfast\u2019s SSE Arena, allowing volunteers to space out as they assemble hampers.<\/p>\n
Foodbank coordinator Sinead McKinley said demand has been unprecedented as many struggle amid the coronavirus pandemic, having lost their jobs or taken a cut in income.<\/p>\n
With shops closed, Ms McKinley said it is not as easy to donate gifts this year.<\/p>\n
She said they are urgently in need of toys, from games for younger children to fragrance gift sets for teenagers across 2,500 families.<\/p>\n
This is up from the 900 referrals for Christmas hampers they received last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cCovid-19 has impacted on families in a way we never thought it could, with jobs losses and people taking a cut in pay,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur list is horrendous, we have had 2,500 referrals for hampers and toys. Last year we had about 900, and that was a big number for us.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have had some organizations arranging big collections and dropping them off, but almost as soon as they come in, they go out.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Christmas hamper initiative is going on alongside regular food parcels for 300 families every week.<\/p>\n
Ms McKinley said as well as those who have lost their jobs, others in low paying jobs on furlough are also struggling.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had a mummy emailing me in the middle of the night, and when we got to the house it was like we had given her a million pounds just by giving her food,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople forget that those working in hospitality are on low wages and when they are on furlough their income is down 20 per cent, and (in) some households where both parents work in hospitality \u2013 their combined income is down by 40 per cent.<\/p>\n
\u201cI spoke to a man who told me he buys his kids their Christmas toys with his tips and there is nothing to fill that void.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said a range of gift options are helpful to ensure older children are included.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have also suggested that people shop local in terms of buying vouchers for beauticians, hair salons or restaurants \u2013 to also help local businesses who have found this year hard,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re hoping we\u2019ll get more support over the next few days or we\u2019ll have some sad children.\u201d<\/p>\n
The partnership has received the support of the Belfast Giants and has been able to utilize the SSE Arena until December 22nd.<\/p>\n
Cash donations can be made via PayPal at foodbank@northbelfastadvice.org.<\/p>\n