The Haslemere Food Bank has recently launched its 2026 Christmas Gift Drive. This is an opportunity for the community to donate gifts that will be passed on to local residents and families who are struggling financially. At a special Christmas event, people identified as being in need by local churches, financial organisations, medical professionals, schools and other food bank referral partners, have the opportunity to attend and select a gift for loved ones.

Jo Mackay, Chair of the Haslemere Food Bank said, 'The event has been running for a number of years now. Each year, I am always amazed at the generosity of the local community and the gratitude of those attending. The stress that Christmas brings when you don't have much money to go round is enormous. With help from Haslemere residents, we can help to relieve that stress and reduce the burden on local mums, dads, grandparents and carers.'

There are a number of ways that you can support the food bank. The first is to visit one of the participating local businesses. Here you can opt to either purchase an item in store or donate money which the food bank will then use to purchase a gift on your behalf. And, it doesn't need to be a large donation by any means. Just adding £1 to the cost of your shop in store will make a difference. 

Participating retailers include Sass & Spirit, Past & Present, The Haslemere Book Shop (where you can also donate online), Rock'n Shards, Curated Living, R Miles and The Sportslocker who all took part last year. And, this year, they have also been joined by Gallery Thirteen and Davids of Haslemere for the first time.

Local coffee shops - Olivers and Hemingways - are also getting involved. Opt to pay it forward here by buying an extra cuppa and they'll turn your donations into vouchers that will be distributed to those in need. 

Jo Mackay told us, 'Something that so many  of us take for granted - going to a coffee shop and enjoying a cup of coffee and a cake - is something others may never have the opportunity to do. But this simple gesture can make such a difference to someone else. Loneliness is a huge issue and giving someone a voucher for a complimentary hot drink gives them a reason to leave the house and chat to others. For many of our clients, it's also a chance to escape a cold house for a few hours and warm up.'

Alternatively, perhaps you have a gift in mind that you would like to purchase for a child - something your own children loved playing with for example and you'd like others to have the same enjoyment. Or maybe you have an item sitting in a cupboard at home that you don't want. Either way, you could drop the gift into one of the local gift collection points such as Henry Adams Estate Agents or Ben's Ice Cream. They'll store it for the food bank until it's needed and they will then ensure it is given to someone who will appreciate it. Your unwanted gift is someone else's treasure.

Jo Mackay told us, 'All gifts are welcome. The food bank collects gifts to give to all ages, from newborns to ninety year olds! The only thing we ask is that items are brand new and unopened. Last year, with the support of the community, we could ensure that every child whose family was invited to the event received a book token, allowing them to choose their very own book to read. Such a simple thing as getting to choose your own book in a book shop really can generate a lifetime love of reading. The team at the Haslemere Bookshop tell us every year how excited the children are coming in.'

Last year, 180 people attended the event. Most are parents choosing presents for their children but they do get grandparents and people without dependents too. All are encouraged to choose a gift for a loved one. Everyone does need to be invited to attend and checks are made to ensure the person is genuinely in need. Jo Mackay said, 'This year, we don't know how many will come but we anticipate that 300 invitations will be sent out. As well as choosing a gift, those attending will also receive a pack of festive treats including things like a Christmas pudding, a cake, biscuits, chocolate, cranberry sauce and so on.'

She went on to tell us, 'Every year, I always worry that we won't have enough to distribute and people in need will miss out. But somehow, Haslemere always does us proud. I do get nervous in the weeks leading up to the event in case there just aren't sufficient donations - I know that so many people are feeling the pinch right now.'

If you would like to donate, please do pop into one of the participating retailers or leave a donation at one of the Haslemere Food Bank collection points.