Every December, the Haslemere Food Bank runs an event whereby local families who are struggling financially are invited to choose Christmas gifts for loved ones. In December 2024, over 150 families attended. The Food Bank estimates that over 500 children received Christmas gifts last month thanks to the support and generosity of the local community on whom the success of the event depends.

The Food Bank launches their Christmas Gift Drive every October. Retailers in Haslemere get involved including Sass & Spirit, The Sports Locker, The Haslemere Bookshop, Past & Present, Hemingways and Oliver's. The Swan Inn are also a drop off point for gifts. And many local schools and churches also get behind the event to offer their support.

This year, due to the sheer scale of need, the Haslemere Food Bank has already started collecting for the December 2025 event. 

If you have any unwanted Christmas gifts, the Haslemere Food Bank would love to take them off your hands! Between now and 31 January 2025, they're having a gift amnesty. Any new, unwanted gifts can be left at any of the Haslemere Food Bank collection points and they will ensure that they go to families in need.  A list of drop off points can be found at the Haslemere Food Bank website. Alternatively, Past & Present are always happy to take donations to pass on to us as well.

So go on... if you were given some dodgy socks by your Great Aunt Beryl or perhaps your child was given a gift that they happen to already have.... please do consider donating it to the Food Bank so that they can give it a new home. 

Thank you for your support.