Festive food bank donations bring Christmas boost to families across Scarborough and Whitby
Families across Scarborough and Whitby are receiving extra support this winter after a festive donation drive helped food banks and community eco shops meet increased demand over Christmas and into the New Year.
Beyond Housing worked alongside colleagues, suppliers and partner organisations to collect food, toiletries, hygiene products and baby supplies for households facing financial pressure during the winter months. The appeal also generated cash donations from contractors, allowing each participating food bank and eco shop to receive an additional £630 to support their work.
The donations have been distributed to eight community organisations across the area, including the Rainbow Centre in Scarborough, Westway Open Arms in Eastfield, the Gallows Close Centre in Barrowcliff and Whitby Foodbank. Each provides practical help for families and individuals experiencing hardship, alongside advice and wider community support.
A wide range of local contractors and partners took part in the appeal, including C&M Carpets, J&B Recycling, Man Tank, Billy Lowe, F&I Group, Global HSE Group, Axis CLC Group, 0800 Repair, GV Decorators, VPS and EEM, alongside Beyond Housing colleagues.
Stephanie Lake, community partnership and engagement manager for Scarborough, said the response had made a tangible difference at a critical time of year.
“Donations like these are so greatly received and provide a much-needed boost at a time when the work of vital community services is needed more than ever,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who has contributed this year and supported the wonderful efforts of our community partners.”
The impact has already been felt on the ground. A representative from the Gallows Close Centre in Barrowcliff said the support had helped ensure local families were not left out over the festive period.
“Thanks to this kindness, more than 200 children received selection boxes at our Santa event, families enjoyed gifts and food at Santa breakfasts, 15 struggling households will receive essential food and presents, and 40 people will share a warm Christmas Day lunch with gifts to take home,” they said. “It has made a real difference to our community.”
The festive appeal forms part of Beyond Housing’s wider social value work, which supports residents and neighbourhoods alongside the management of more than 15,000 homes across Redcar, Scarborough and Whitby. The organisation works year-round with schools, charities, food banks and voluntary groups to help improve wellbeing, build resilience and strengthen local communities.
Donations from the appeal will continue to be distributed throughout the Christmas holidays and into January, helping food banks respond to seasonal pressures at a time when household budgets are often most stretched.