Christmas is a time for giving, and thanks to the generosity of the Haslemere community more than 160 families have received the ultimate Christmas gift. 

Hundreds of people have been fundraising and donating to the Haslemere Food Bank in the lead up to Christmas, including six-year-old Georgina Mullins in Fernhurst. Georgina came home from school on Friday and decided to sell her books in a book sale she set up on Monday outside the Fernhurst recreation playground. 

She said: “Some people don’t have the things that I have and I want them to have presents at Christmas even if their mums and dads can’t afford to buy many gifts, and I want them to have more toys because they have less than others.” 

Georgina was not alone in helping provide for those who need it most. Thanks to donations from customers at Oliver’s and Hemingways of Haslemere through their invisible coffee scheme, the foodbank had more than 200 free coffees to give out at their Christmas drive, along with food and gift packages.

Because of Haslemere Bookshop and its customers, more than 170 children received a book token this Christmas allowing them to choose their own book in store.

A spokesperson for the foodbank said: “A huge thank you to every single person and business that donated food or gifts over the past few weeks. We are so, so grateful for your incredible generosity. It would be impossible to name everyone but we genuinely want to thank you all. Without your support, today could not have happened.

“Suffice to say, thank you to you all! The Haslemere community has truly done itself proud.”

Week to week the foodbank is supporting around 30 families, and while the Christmas Drive has been a resounding success, more is always needed. To find out more and to donate head to haslemerefoodbank.com/